ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has responded to a wave of criticism surrounding the promotion’s financial status, staff cuts, athlete dissatisfaction, and event scheduling issues.
In a recent social media post, Chatri claimed the company has become the target of coordinated online attacks designed to spread misinformation. He denied rumors about the end of ONE’s U.S. broadcast partnership, clarifying that the Amazon Prime Video deal runs through mid-2027. He also pushed back against financial concerns, stating that critics have misrepresented the company’s performance by referencing a single subsidiary rather than the broader organization.
While acknowledging missteps, including regional downsizing, event rescheduling, and communication issues with athletes, Chatri emphasized that such challenges are part of building a global sports brand. “We make mistakes. We fail. We drop the ball,” he wrote, adding that the company is still on a clear path to profitability.
Chatri also addressed athlete dissatisfaction, noting that some concerns are valid and are handled privately, while others stem from differing perspectives on matchmaking, compensation, or performance. “No one is necessarily right or wrong in these situations,” he said, framing disputes as part of the broader challenges in managing such a big roster.
Despite the backlash, Chatri pointed to growing revenues, sold-out international events, and strong digital engagement as signs of momentum. He closed by reaffirming ONE’s mission to inspire and uplift through its athletes, calling on supporters to “double down on the good fight.”
