Previously, UFC president Dana White mentioned that the organization was up for sale if the offer was good. It turned out that ESPN prepared a massive amount that compelled the owners to part with their successful company.
It has recently been confirmed that the UFC has been sold for $4 billion. Talent agency WME-IMG bought the MMA league with support from private equity companies like Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Silver Lake and MSD Capital, Michael Dell's private investment company.
The staggering amount is the biggest transaction for an organization ever in sports history.
ESPN noted that the main owners of the UFC, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, purchased the league for $2 million in 2000, running it under the company, Zuffa. The casino investor brothers will most likely remain as minority investors after everything is over.
Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, co-CEOs of WME-IMG said that they are fortunate over the years to represent UFC and some of its remarkable athletes.
They admired how the UFC incredibly grew in the past decade under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers, Dana White and others. They are now committed to pursuing new opportunities for the UFC and its athletes to guarantee its continued growth and success on a global scale.
Lorenzo Fertitta said that they are confident that the new ownership team of WME-IMG, with who they have worked well with before, is committed to boosting the global growth of UFC. The new owners reportedly share the same vision and passion for the UFC and its athletes.
Dana White's confirmation of the sale also strengthens his previous statements that UFC was generally not up for sale and they are focusing on global expansion. However, if someone shows up with $4 billion, they can talk. Apparently, ESPN has the cash to close a deal.
White recently added that fans should not be concerned about the change in ownership. He said that the sport is only going to get better. An official announcement on the purchase is expected soon.
GameSpot revealed that in terms of the UFC game, an EA Sports representative said that they do not expect the purchase of the UFC by WME-IMG to change the current relationship that they have. Similar to all fight fans, EA is excited to watch the sport grow to the next level.
EA Sports "UFC 2" is current available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. More updates and details are expected soon.