Former WWE Executive Launches Professional Sumo Wrestling League

Former WWE executive Stuart Snyder has launched a professional sumo wrestling league.

As noted in an official press release, Stuart Snyder, who served as the President of WWE/WWF from 2000 to 2001 to oversee the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, has launched the Sumo Championship League. The new league looks to bring the legendary Japanese sport of Sumo to U.S. markets this fall.

The press release read:

ENTER THE DOHYO!

SUMO CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE TO BRING PROFESSIONAL SUMO TO

U.S. ARENAS IN 2026

A new professional sports league built around authentic competition, global athletes and recurring live events.

Sumo Championship League (SCL) will launch live professional league events beginning in fall 2026 across major U.S. markets
League events will feature authentic sumo competition, season-long rankings, and championship competition
SCL to feature elite heavyweight athletes from around the world, including accomplished sumo competitors and crossover athletes
League to deliver live-event spectacle and a family-friendly experience

ATLANTA, June 16, 2026 — Sumo Championship League (SCL) today officially announced the launch of a new professional sumo league built for sports fans, newcomers to the sport, and families across the United States and around the world. The league aims to establish professional sumo as a recurring arena sport and media sports property in America while introducing a centuries-old tradition to new audiences.

Combining one of the world’s oldest sports traditions with a modern professional league structure, SCL is creating a new stage for Ancient Gladiators. Modern Legends.

Beginning in fall 2026, SCL plans to stage live league events in major U.S. markets featuring elite heavyweight athletes competing in authentic, unscripted sumo competition. Built around season-long rankings, wrestlers will compete throughout the year for standings, prize money and championship positioning, culminating in a final championship event featuring the league’s top-ranked competitors.

The former WWE executive aims to introduce sumo wrestling to broader audiences outside Japan

“Sumo is one of the world’s oldest and most recognizable sports, with organized competition and passionate fans across the globe,” said Stuart Snyder, Chairman and CEO, Sumo Championship League. “What it has never had is a modern professional league structure designed to introduce the sport to broader audiences outside Japan.

“We believe there is an opportunity to build a sustainable sports property around authentic competition, elite athletes and a live-event experience that respects the heritage of sumo while making the sport more accessible to modern audiences.”

SCL was founded by veteran sports and entertainment executives Stuart Snyder and Toper Taylor, whose combined experience spans live events, television, sports media and audience development.

Snyder previously served as president and COO of WWE and Feld Entertainment, overseeing thousands of live events worldwide and president and COO of Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division, leading Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang to more than $1 billion in annual revenue and 26 Emmy Awards. Taylor is a multiple Emmy Award-winning producer and former William Morris Agency talent agent who has produced or overseen more than 15,000 television episodes and held executive leadership roles at Nelvana, Cookie Jar Entertainment and Network of One/Spotter.

The company has secured an initial funding round to support the league’s launch and long-term growth strategy, with a current valuation of $25 million. SCL plans to generate revenue through live events, sponsorships, media rights, merchandise, licensing and future international expansion opportunities.

The league plans to recruit heavyweight athletes from around the world

The league plans to recruit internationally across multiple athletic backgrounds, including accomplished sumo competitors, former professional football players, wrestlers, strongmen and other heavyweight athletes with the explosiveness, leverage, agility and discipline required to compete in professional sumo. SCL intends to assemble a roster of athletes whose journeys, personalities and rivalries will help define the future of the sport.

“There are talented sumo athletes competing all over the world today, but there has never been a professional league structure designed to bring them together under one banner,” said Toper Taylor, COO, Sumo Championship League. “Our goal is to create a platform where athletes can compete at the highest level, build their profiles, develop rivalries and help introduce the sport to entirely new audiences.”

To learn more about SCL, explore partnership opportunities, inquire about hosting an event, or express interest in competing, visit www.sumochampionshipleague.com.