UFC SOLD!!!

Current UFC owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III will retain a “passive minority interest” in the new company. Lorenzo Fertitta will step down as CEO after the deal is complete. Dana White will continue in his role as the UFC’s president.

“We’ve been fortunate over the years to represent UFC and a number of its remarkable athletes,” Emanuel and Whitesell said in a combined statement. “It’s been exciting to watch the organization’s incredible growth over the last decade under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers, Dana White and their dedicated team. We’re now committed to pursuing new opportunities for UFC and its talented athletes to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success on a global scale.”

White and Fertitta denied recent reports that the UFC’s sale was imminent, and Fertitta issued an email to UFC employees saying the company had not been sold. But White, who has a reported 9 percent ownership stake in the UFC, also said if someone was willing to offer $4 billion, he and the Fertittas, who own 80 percent, would listen.


“We’re confident that the new ownership team of WME-IMG, with whom we’ve built a strong relationship over the last several years, is committed to accelerating UFC’s global growth,” Lorenzo Fertitta stated. “Most importantly, our new owners share the same vision and passion for this organization and its athletes.”

White said his priority will remain the same: to continue building the UFC brand and making MMA a global sport.

“Our goal has always been to put on the biggest and the best fights for our fans, and to make this the biggest sport in the world,” White stated. “I’m looking forward to working with WME-IMG to continue to take this sport to the next level.”


http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/its-official-ufc-sold-to-wme-img-lorenzo-fertitta-to-step-down-dana-white-to-stay-on-as-president

letter sent to athletes


Dear Athletes,

We are writing to personally advise you of a chance to UFC. Renowned entertainment, sports and fashion giant WWE | IMG has entered into agreement to acquire UFC. Silver Lake Partners, KKR, MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD Partners, L.P. will join WME | IMG as new strategic investors. The transaction is subject to customary conditions.

From the moment Zuffa, LLC purchased UFC over 15 years ago, you, the athletes, have always been the central focus of the promotion. That will not change. WME | IMG, who has been involved with UFC for many years, is focused on the continued global expansion of mixed martial arts and committed to further promotion you on the global stage.

Upon closing the deal, Lorenzo Fertitta will be stepping down as Chairman and CEO of the organization, however Lorenzo and Frank will retain a minority ownership interest in the business. UFC President Dana White will continue in his role and will also retain a minority ownership interest.

The organization’s leadership, a team of great executives hand-picked to help lead the business, will remain in place to carry on their work and continue to lead the team of dedicated employees who promote your careers as mixed martial arts athletes.

You remain a very important part of the highly driven, dedicated and motivated organization that will continue to deliver world-class experiences and opportunities for you as athletes and for the greatest fans in the world.

Thank you,

The Zuffa executive team

Sounds like nothing much is going to change as far as what we see. There's just now some even richer guys behind the scenes.

Did they really send out a company wide email with a typo in the first sentence?