Talk of a UFC sale continues to persist, with a new report claiming that the organization is set to become the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
According to Jeremy Botter of FloSports, the highest bid for UFC came in at $4.19 billion, higher than the asking price. Dana White would reportedly remain in his role and the operation would continue largely as it has, with further growth, likely into China.
Am told the highest bidding group for 100% of UFC “exceeded the asking price.” It’s near $4.19 billion. Bid expected to be accepted.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
I’m led to believe the highest bid came from WME-IMG/Dalian Wanda Group/The Kraft Group/Tencent Holdings plus other minor partners.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
All current partners would cash out. But White would be given 6-7% of new company to continue his role.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
The potential new owners are happy to allow things to continue to run the way they have. No drastic changes outside of Lorenzo/Frank gone.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
The new ownership group will also allow easy expansion into China, so there could be huge international growth in store.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
The potential selling price, if accepted, makes UFC the most valuable sporting franchise in the world.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) June 18, 2016
White denied the report, though that doesn’t necessarily indicate anything. No formal announcement is likely until after UFC 200 at the earliest.
These rumors are largely consistent with the other stories that have been floating around in recent days, and where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. It would be one heck of a profit for the Fertittas, who purchased the company for just $2 million 15 years ago.
