It has financial backing from private equity firms Silver Lake Partners, which owns WME-IMG, and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, along with the investment firm of billionaire Michael Dell, founder of Dell Computers. “It’s been exciting to watch the organisation’s incredible growth over the last decade under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers”. The new owners promised to pursue new opportunities for UFC and its athletes to ensure mixed martial arts would continue to grow and succeed on a global scale.
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That’s quite the profit for casino magnates Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who in 2000 bought the struggling league for just $2 million.
Lorenzo will step down as part of the deal, although the brothers will retain a minority interest. The new owners reportedly share the same vision and passion for the UFC and its athletes.
“As far as the business goes, our goal was to always take this sport to the next level, and Ari and WME-IMG are the guys to take it from here”, White told the Los Angeles Times.
The UFC sold for $4 billion Saturday, making it the single largest transaction in sports history.
Few companies do that better than WME, but the UFC has also been pretty good at building stars in its own violent milieu. The promotion will remain based out of Las Vegas, and there are no major staffing changes expected with the new ownership group in charge.
Conor McGregor exits the octogon following his championship victory against Jose Aldo during UFC 194 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
WME-IMG are a world leading talent agencies, with clients that include the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
Previously, UFC president Dana White mentioned that the organization was up for sale if the offer was good.
The UFC has been expanding its brand in recent years, most notably with its deal with Fox and its online streaming service, UFC Fight Pass.
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Still, UFC faces challenges, some of which were on display at UFC 200 – the company’s biggest event – over this past weekend.
