California Promoter Bond Overview
- Purpose: To hold promoters accountable for following state laws and paying taxes and fees
- Who Needs It: Amateur and professional combative sports promoters in California
- Regulating Body: The California State Athletic Commission
- Bond Amount: $1,000 for amateur events; $50,000 for professional events
- Minimum Price: $100, or 1% of the bond amount
What Is a California Professional Club and Promoter Bond?
A California professional club and promoter’s bond guarantees combative sports event promoters pay all taxes, purses, fees and wages on time.
If you’re applying for a promoter license, the California State Athletic Commission requires you to file this surety bond. This protects the state, consumers, athletes, and event personnel like referees and physicians.
Bond Coverage Requirements for California Promoters
All California mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing promoters must meet certain liquid asset requirements:
- Amateur promoters: $1,000
- Professional promoters: $50,000
This can be in the form of a surety bond, stocks or money set aside in a bank account. A surety bond is typically the most affordable option, since it only requires a small upfront premium.
How Much Do Promoter Bonds Cost in California?
California promoter bond premiums are credit-based and start at 1% of the bond amount:
- The $1,000 amateur bond starts at $100.
- The $50,000 professional bond starts at $500.
Exact rates usually vary between 1% and 5%. Apply below for a free quote!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a California Promoter Bond Work?
A California professional club and promoter bond creates a legal contract between three parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| Principal | The promoter purchasing the bond |
| Obligee | The California State Athletic Commission requiring the bond |
| Surety | The issuing surety provider |
This bond acts as your financial guarantee to the Commission that you’ll:
- Pay all taxes and fines to the state
- Remit purses to competitors
- Refund customers for tickets if necessary
- Pay officials’ fees, including referees, judges, timekeepers and physicians
If you fail to uphold any regulations under CA BPC Division 8, Chapter 2, those affected can file bond claims. The surety will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, but you’ll ultimately need to reimburse the surety.
How Do I Get a Boxing Promoter Bond in California?
Getting a California MMA and boxing promoter bond is simple! Simply follow these steps:
- Apply for a free quote on this page
- Receive your personalized quote
- Pay for your bond online or over the phone
- Sign and file the digital bond form with the Commission
Then, you’ll be officially bonded and can apply for your promoter license.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
We issue bond quotes within one business day or less. Once you’re ready to pay, we’ll process it and email your official bond form right away.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
You can often still get bonded with bad credit, but it’ll likely affect your price. Get a free quote today with no impact on your credit score!
How Do I Renew My Bond?
California professional club and promoter bonds are active for a one-year term. Before renewal, we’ll send you reminders and invoices to make the process easy. Just pay the premium, and we’ll automatically extend your bond for another year.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
Only your surety company can make changes to your official bond form. Email [email protected], and we’ll take care of any updates by issuing a bond rider if possible.
How to Become a Combative Sports Promoter in California
First, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be promoting amateur or professional events. Then, follow these steps to apply for a license with the California State Athletic Commission:
- Get Live Scan fingerprints for all ownership partners and corporate officers
- Purchase a surety bond in the required amount
- Provide a $50,000 short-term medical insurance program
- Submit a resumé and passport-size photo of yourself
- Get a CPA/PA-prepared financial statement
- Employ an experienced, licensed matchmaker (if you have no prior experience)
- Submit your completed application packet and fees to the Commission
While waiting for your application to be approved, you can receive a temporary license if all materials are correctly included. After your first event, the Commission may require you to appear at a meeting for further review.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Promoter License in California?
You can expect to pay at least $699 to get an amateur promoter license or $1,849 to get a professional promoter license.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License | $250 (amateur) or $1,000 (professional) |
| Live Scan Fingerprinting | $49 (varies by provider) |
| Surety Bond | $100+ (amateur) or $500 (professional) annually |
| Medical Insurance | $300–$1,500+ per event |
