Reilly Could be a Problem In NY, Even with Passage of MMA
January 15, 2009
Multiple sites out there seem to be reacting to the recent interview New York Assemblyman Bob Reilly did with MMAWeekly, with some surprised that Reilly is still showing opposition to MMA legislation, but the reason behind that should be obvious. One thing that many folks aren’t taking into consideration is the thorn in the side that Reilly could still be even if MMA legislation is passed. Much has been made by the UFC about the financial impact of the UFC on New York. If the UFC is successful in passing laws allowing MMA in NY, Reilly has the ability to exact his pound of flesh financially to further gum up the works.
Much is made of the tourist dollars and ancillary spending that are attached to putting on an event in the state but another way for the state of New York to realize revenue from MMA is to go the route of Nevada, by placing a tax on any PPV cards that take place in the state. Inserting such a tax could be a poison pill that could cause the UFC not run the state very often if at all. There are also other fees and requirements that could chill the possibility of the UFC running in New York. Hawaii recently passed MMA legislation with similar provisos and was met with a statements from Dana White that it would be a long time before before the UFC held a card there as a result. Getting MMA legislation passed and one that is to the UFC’s liking may be two entirely different things, unfortunately. While most, including those with the UFC seem optimistic of passage, the back room machinations in areas like those mentioned above make Mr Reilly still a viable threat to MMA in New York. If nothing else Reilly doesn’t seem the type to go quietly into the night.
