A revamped MMA Bill has been offered up by the bill’s sponsor Joseph Morelle in hopes of facilitating a vote in the New York State Assembly. It’s quite possible that its revisions may make it possible for a vote and passage before the legislative session ends June 17th.
The bill includes additional health and safety measures which could preclude smaller MMA promotions from holding events in New York. However, the provisions should not be a problem for Zuffa or Viacom-owned Bellator.
Among the amendments to this bill, it includes:
- Minimum insurance of at least $50K for all pro combat sports promoters. There is also a provision requiring a $1M insurance policy for competition injuries resulting in major brain injuries. The legislative language indicates that there must be “an identifiable, casual (sic) link” between the fighters’s participation and the injury.
- All combat sporting events (pro or amateur) will pay an 8.5% tax on gross gate receipts and a 3% tax on broadcasting rights sold including internet broadcasts.
- The bill indicates that the New York State Athletic Commission will have jurisdiction over amateur combat sports. This eliminates underground MMA in the state and it will sanction all amateur MMA.
- The Commission will have jurisdiction over all combat sports including professional wrestling, martial arts and kickboxing.
Payout Perspective:
As we head down the stretch, we shall see if the MMA Bill will get the remaining votes it needs to pass and become law. If the bill is passed, MMA will be legal in the state of New York 180 days from when it becomes law. The bill appears to address some concerns of those that have its reservations about the violent nature of the sport. It does hurt small-time promoters that cannot provide the financial guarantees the new law will require. We will know in a week whether this bill will be put up to a vote and whether it passes.
For more background on the fight for MMA in New York, check out our interview with veteran MMA journalist Jim Genia.
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