Richard Schaefer has been named president of Anthem Sports Group

New president named for Anthem Sports Group

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2023 – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc., a global, multi-platform media company, announced today, that respected global combat sports executive Richard Schaefer has been named President of its sports properties, which are to be re-organized as a separate operating group under the name Anthem Sports Group Inc. (ASG). These properties include ASG’s iconic IMPACT Wrestling promotion, trailblazing all-female MMA organization Invicta Fighting Championships, and, Fight Network , the world’s premier 24/7 combat sports channel.

Having more than 20 years of experience in the combat sports and boxing realm, Richard Schaefer will oversee Anthem Sports Group (ASG) and play a key role in building strategic partnerships and relationships with leading sponsors, brands, agents and athletes in the industry. The hiring of Richard Schaefer is a testament to Anthem’s commitment to building global prominence of its events and broadcasts. Under Richard Schaefer, Anthem Sports Group (ASG) will aggressively pursue additional acquisitions in the combat sports and professional wrestling businesses. Richard Schaefer’s wide-ranging background in professional boxing will also be leveraged to establish a boxing promotion platform.

“Richard Schaefer is a major force in the combat sports and boxing arena,” said Leonard Asper, Anthem President and CEO. “As one of the industry’s most respected executives, he leads with integrity and brings an unprecedented wealth of expertise—cultivated from more than two decades working alongside the sport’s biggest brands and most legendary fighters. Anthem is pleased to welcome him to our executive team as the President of Anthem Sports Group, and we look forward to reaching even greater heights as a global sports powerhouse under his guidance.”

Richard Schaefer Stated: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Anthem team and Anthem Sports Group (ASG). Len Asper, Ed Nordholm, Scott D’Amore and Shannon Knapp have built a fantastic business, and I am honored to be working with them. Together, we will create a global destination which attracts the best talent and delivers the most exciting content across all aspects of combat sports. All of our assets under the Anthem Sports Group (ASG) umbrella will create new and innovative synergies when dealing with distribution platforms, sponsors, venues and fan interaction.”

Richard Schaefer brings a long track record of success to Anthem Sports Group (ASG), having served as the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, where he was integral in developing the platform into a key player in the sport. Over his 20+ years in the combat sports space, he promoted or advised some of the most iconic stars — from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez, to UFC Superstar Jon Jones. Helming over 527 promoted events, he is one of the leading all-time promoters in boxing and has generated record-breaking gate and pay-per-view revenues.

Anthem has also brought in two senior executives and promoted Scott D'Amore to President of IMPACT Wrestling to highlight its goal of growing the Sports Group. D'Amore and Shannon Knapp, the President of Invicta FC, will report to Schaefer.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Cleveland. Anthem's portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel with broadcast distribution across 10+ countries and available globally through multiple OTT platforms; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world's leading wrestling organizations; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in sports wagering, Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. For more information, visit www.anthemse.com.

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