Just one day after their biggest event in history, UFC 200, it appears as if the rumors are in fact true, and that the UFC has sold for $4 billion. The story of the sale was originally broke by Chris Maathuis of KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, saying that the UFC has indeed been sold to WME-IMG and MSD Capital.
UFC Has Sold For $4 Billion
#UFC sold. It’s Time!! Papers signed Saturday. 4-billion price tag Dana stays on HQ Vegas Exclusively on #8NNpic.twitter.com/DwkW8j2t02
— Chris Maathuis (@sports8) July 11, 2016
According to the N.Y. Times, the UFC has been sold for approximately $4 billion. Announcement imminent. https://t.co/VVyS9v9bWG
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 11, 2016
The UFC reportedly just sold for around $4 billion https://t.co/rKoiGCEzSHpic.twitter.com/8lBIcyN9T0
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 11, 2016
A Deal Done
UFC President, Dana White, confirmed to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that the report was true, and that the deal for the purchase had been completed.
Asked Dana White (@danawhite) if sale of the UFC is bittersweet. Response: VERY.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) July 11, 2016
Dana White (@danawhite) on future involvement: Same. President, owner, working my ass off. Just doing it without my best friend and partner.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) July 11, 2016
The Future of the UFC
Early reports also say that Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta will stay on as minority owners. The Fertitta brothers originally bought the UFC from Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG) in 2001 for just $2 million, with the intent of legitimatizing the organization from its no-holds-barred roots into the global phenomenon that it has become today.
The Fertittas bought the UFC for 2 million 15 years ago. They sell it for 4 billion. Greatest ROI in sports history. Remarkable.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 11, 2016
The $4 billion sale of the UFC is also said to be the largest sale in the history of sports.
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