Representatives from the Pro League Network (PLN) report that the latest fundraising effort generated around $2.2 million in funding. 

PLN organizes specialized sporting events and monitors the games and competitions to ensure fair play, making them suitable for sports betting outcomes. The company claims it provides sportsbooks featuring “entertaining, wagerable, real-time professional sports” that are tailored for betting operators. 

PLN cofounder Mike Salvaris stated that the recent funding round indicates investors are supportive of the business model. He is confident this gamble will be worthwhile since it just requires one of the company’s sports to succeed. 

“The portfolio appeals to [investors] because they’re placing a bet on different properties. If one does hit, there’s equity in those leagues. It’s a one-to-many bet when you’re investing with PLN,” Salvaris explained.

The network has created unusual sports like CarJitsu, where jiu-jitsu competitors fight within a car. Other exclusive "sports" created and/or obtained by PLN comprise SlapFight, a slap-fighting contest, Major League Paintball, and an upcoming three-on-three basketball game developed alongside former NBA star Kevin Garnett named Str33t. 

PLN boasts a total of almost 20 sports brands. 

Betting Partners 

The Pro League Network does not participate directly in the gambling industry but aims to ensure integrity in the niche sports it oversees, making these games appropriate for licensed sportsbooks to include on their betting boards. As most states mandate that gaming regulators approve the sports and events permitted by licensed sportsbooks, the contests usually need to be sanctioned and include numerous integrity measures to avoid match-fixing and external influences. 

PLN's sports betting has been featured in various books in the US, such as DraftKings and Bet365, in states that have sanctioned the games and contests for wagering. Betting on PLN sports has occurred in over a dozen states, such as Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. 

Representatives from the company claim that the league's sports are ideal for digital viewing. 

“We’re an entertainment company making made-for-wagering content,” Salvaris told Business Insider. Salvaris’ co-founder, Bill Yucatonis, says the company helps sportsbooks keep bettors engaged during slower times.

"We’re solving a problem. We’re targeting times and days that we know are a blemish for operators,” Yucatonis explained.

The co-founders state that the initial funding will be utilized to advance the league assets that they think are most likely to attract bettors' interest. 

The roster features CarJitsu, the World Putting League, SlapFight, and Str33t. Str33t will showcase games lasting only 15 minutes, maximizing betting chances and enabling players and teams to compete in several games daily. 

PLN functions from its studio base located in Branson, Mo. PLN aims to generate as much as 40 hours per week of sports content by year’s end. PLN started production services in December. 

Will PLN Become Popular? 

Sports gamblers hold diverse opinions regarding betting on unconventional sports organized by PLN. A Reddit discussion called “CarJitsu is absurd” presents differing viewpoints.

"Possibly the stupidest thing to have ever happened to jiu-jitsu. Or cars,” the discussion began.

“I mean it’s kind of entertaining to watch,” read a response.