World Fencing League
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Current season, competition or edition: 2026 World Fencing League season | |
| Sport | Fencing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2025 |
| Founder | Miles Chamley-Watson |
| CEO | Zhen Ren Teo |
| Country | International |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
The World Fencing League (WFL) is a professional fencing organization founded in late 2025 by British-born American Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson and Chiron Sports Group.[1] The league was established to modernize the sport through advanced technology, athlete-driven storytelling, and high-production entertainment values.
The WFL was officially announced on November 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. The league was incubated by Chiron Sports Group, a sports-focused investment firm, alongside founder Miles Chamley-Watson.[2]
In December 2025, the league reached a financial milestone by securing its first round of funding from the Flick Family Office. The legal proceedings for the financing were advised by the law firm Winston & Strawn, signaling the league's transition from a concept to a capitalized professional entity.[3]
On January 7, 2026, the WFL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USA Fencing. This partnership was designed to connect elite professional competition with grassroots participation in the United States.[4] This was followed in February 2026 by a partnership with UC San Diego Athletics to establish professional pathways for collegiate athletes.[5]
By March 2026, the league moved into its final pre-launch phase for the "WFL Debut" scheduled for April 25, 2026, at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. During this month, the league confirmed its full inaugural roster and a US$100,000 grand prize purse.[6]
Events
| Year | Date | Location | Team winner | Bouts won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 25 |  Los Angeles | Team Shield | 5:1 |
Athletes
The league features a select roster of 12 elite fencers. Athletes are announced via the league's official digital channels, with several confirming their participation through verified social media posts.
| Athlete | Country | Weapon | Notable Achievements | Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eszter Muhari |  Hungary | Épée | 2026 | |
| Lee Kiefer |  United States | Foil | 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, 2x World Champion | 2026 |
| Ryan Choi |  Hong Kong | Foil | 1x World Champion | 2026 |
| Arianna Errigo |  Italy | Foil | 1x Olympic Gold Medalist, 10x World Champion | 2026 |
| Miles Chamley-Watson | United States | Foil | 2x World Champion | 2026 |
| Oh Sang-uk |  South Korea | Sabre | 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, 5x World Champion | 2026 |
| Koki Kano |  Japan | Épée | 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 2x World Champion | 2026 |
| Alexandra Ndolo |  Kenya | Épée | 2026 | |
| Gergely Siklósi | Hungary | Épée | 1x Olympic Gold Medalist, 1x World Champion | 2026 |
| Michela Battiston | Italy | Sabre | 2026 | |
| Jean-Philippe Patrice |  France | Sabre | 2026 | |
| Maia Chamberlain | United States | Sabre | 2026 |
Teams
| Year | Team | Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Team Blade | Miles Chamley-Watson Lee Kiefer (c) Gergely Siklósi Alexandra Ndolo Oh Sang-uk Maia Chamberlain |
| Team Shield | Ryan Choi (c) Arianna Errigo Michela Battiston Jean-Philippe Patrice Eszter Muhari Koki Kano |