The UFC has officially sold the company to the WME-IMG group for about $4 billion. Right as the the announcement was to be made public, the UFC sent a memo to its fighters about the sale. You can read their whole statement in full below.
Dear Athletes,
We are writing to personally advise you of a change to UFC. Renowned entertainment, sports and fashion giant WME | IMG has entered into an 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 closing 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 promoting you on the global stage.
Upon closing of 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 a highly driven, dedicated and motivated organization that will continue to deliver wold-class experience and opportunities for you as athletes and for the greatest fans in the world.
Thank you,
The Zuffa executive team.
Zuffa bought the company for $2 million dollars back in 2000. This sale, which is reported to be around $4 billion, will be the biggest franchise sale in sports history.
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