Bellator MMA was founded in 2008 by Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney. Under Rebney's ownership, Bellator events were structured around single-elimination tournaments. In December 2011, Viacom purchased majority ownership of Bellator, with Paramount's networks serving as the promotion's media partners in the U.S. Since the fourth season in 2011, Bellators have been predominantly broadcast on Viacome-owned networks in the United States. In November 20, 2023, after Bellator's then-broadcaster Showtime announced the discontinuation of its sports division, the promotion was acquired by the Professional Fighters League; PFL plans to maintain the Bellator brand.