Guess what? All the reports we brought you last month about the UFC being up for sale and selling for around $4 billion turned out to be on the money.
The UFC will officially announce Monday that they have been purchased by a WME-IMG led group for around $4 billion, according to the New York Times. In addition to WME-IMG, the NY Times says Silver Lake, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and the investment firm of the billionaire Michael S. Dell are also backing the sale.
Right around the time the news started to circulate online, UFC boss Dana White tweeted a happy face emoji:
— Dana White (@danawhite) July 11, 2016
White, who owned a significant stake in the company prior to the sale, will remain the president of the company.
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
Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who bought the UFC for $2 million in 2001, are the big winners here. The two are cashing out in a major way but will continue on with a minority stake in the company. Now flush with cash, they will turn their attention towards owning a professional sports team. They are said to have significant interest in bringing the Raiders to Las Vegas.
