Who owns UFC now? All UFC owner and ownership details revealed!
Who is the owner of UFC? Who owns UFC? How does the UFC ownership looks like now. Dana White and Joe Rogan are two of the key figures in UFC. Does Dana White and Joe Rogan own any of the UFC organization?
The UFC is no longer just a promotion—it’s a cultural phenomenon. While Endeavor Group Holdings officially owns the UFC, its soul lies with the fighters, fans, and visionaries like Dana White who have pushed the sport to unimaginable heights. With its current trajectory, the UFC’s best days are likely still ahead.
So, who owns the UFC now? Officially, Endeavor and its investors hold the reins, but in the hearts of MMA fans, the UFC belongs to everyone who has ever stepped into the Octagon or cheered from the sidelines.
Here is everything you need to know about who owns UFC and the real UFC owner and ownership. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
Who owns the UFC now? Endeavor Group Holdings are the real owner of UFC!
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is currently owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, a global entertainment and media company. This ownership structure is the result of a series of strategic investments and acquisitions over the years.
In 2016, Endeavor, then known as WME-IMG, acquired a majority stake in the UFC. They continued to invest in the organization and, in 2021, went public with an initial public offering (IPO) to buy out the remaining minority shareholders. This move made Endeavor the sole owner of the UFC.
The UFC’s leadership includes prominent figures like Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, and Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings—a subsidiary formed after Endeavor merged with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Dana White, although no longer a shareholder, remains the public face of the UFC as its president and CEO, playing a pivotal role in its operations and growth.
This ownership and leadership team has driven the UFC to new heights, transforming it into a global sports and entertainment powerhouse.
UFC Early Days: Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG)
The UFC was founded by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, with the first event, UFC 1, taking place in 1993. The promotion quickly gained attention but also faced significant criticism and legal challenges due to its brutal and no-holds-barred nature. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
The Fertitta Brothers and Dana White: Owner of UFC
In 2001, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III, casino magnates and childhood friends of Dana White, saw an opportunity in the ailing promotion. They purchased the UFC for just $2 million. White, who had been a boxing manager, became UFC’s president and face of the brand.
Under their leadership, the UFC underwent a radical transformation. They cleaned up its image, adopted unified rules for MMA, and secured television deals, notably with Spike TV for The Ultimate Fighter, which became a cultural phenomenon.
The Fertittas and White built the UFC into a billion-dollar empire, leveraging the growing popularity of MMA worldwide. By 2016, the UFC was the undisputed leader in combat sports, rivaling even boxing in global reach.
UFC Owner: From WME-IMG to Endeavor Group Holdings
In 2016, WME-IMG acquired a 50.1% majority stake in the UFC, with the Fertitta brothers retaining a minority share. The deal valued the UFC at $4 billion, a significant increase from its $2 million purchase price in 2001.
In 2021, Endeavor Group Holdings, formerly WME-IMG, went public with an initial public offering (IPO), raising $1.75 billion to buy out the remaining minority shareholders. This move made Endeavor the sole owner of the UFC. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
Who Owns the UFC Now?
In 2016, the Fertitta brothers sold the UFC to a consortium of investors led by Endeavor Group Holdings (then WME-IMG) for a staggering $4.025 billion. This marked one of the largest acquisitions in sports history. Endeavor, a powerhouse in entertainment and sports management, saw the UFC as a crown jewel to expand its global portfolio.
While Endeavor became the majority owner, Dana White retained his role as president, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision. His passionate, no-nonsense approach kept the UFC’s identity intact during the transition.
The Current UFC Ownership Structure
As of now, Endeavor Group Holdings owns the majority stake in the UFC. In 2021, Endeavor went public, and the UFC became an integral part of its business strategy. High-profile investors, including celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Tom Brady, and Serena Williams, have stakes in the company through Endeavor.
In a groundbreaking move in 2023, Endeavor merged the UFC with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) to form TKO Group Holdings. This merger solidified Endeavor’s dominance in combat sports and entertainment, creating a unique crossover appeal between MMA and professional wrestling.
Endeavor Group Holdings Owns the UFC right now
The UFC is currently owned by Endeavor Group Holdings. Endeavor acquired a majority stake in the UFC in 2016 and went on to buy out the remaining minority shareholders in 2021, making them the sole owner.
Dana White, while no longer a shareholder, continues to serve as the president and CEO of the UFC. Endeavor’s merger with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to form TKO Group Holdings has further solidified their position in the sports entertainment industry.
The current owner of the UFC is Endeavor Group Holdings, a global entertainment and media company. Endeavor acquired a majority stake in the UFC in 2016 and went on to buy out the remaining minority shareholders in 2021, becoming the sole owner.
Under Endeavor’s leadership, the UFC has continued to grow and expand its presence globally. The company’s extensive network in the entertainment industry has been instrumental in securing high-profile sponsorships and broadcasting deals, ensuring the UFC remains a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
The key figures in the UFC’s ownership and leadership
Ari Emanuel: CEO of Endeavor, who has played a significant role in the strategic direction and growth of the UFC.
Vince McMahon: Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings, a subsidiary formed after Endeavor’s merger with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Dana White: President and CEO of the UFC, who continues to be the public face of the organization and an influential figure in its operations.
Endeavor’s ownership and the leadership of these key figures have positioned the UFC for continued success and innovation in the sports entertainment industry.
Who Owns WWE and UFC?
The WWE is currently owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, following a merger with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to form TKO Group Holdings. Endeavor holds a 51% stake in TKO, while WWE shareholders own the remaining 49%.
The UFC is also owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, which acquired a majority stake in 2016 and bought out the remaining minority shareholders in 2021, making them the sole owner.
So, Endeavor Group Holdings is the parent company for both WWE and UFC, with Vince McMahon serving as the Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings and Dana White continuing as the President and CEO of the UFC. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
FAQ on UFC owner
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about who owns the UFC and the UFC owner.
Is UFC privately owned?
No, the UFC is not privately owned. It is owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, a publicly traded global entertainment and media company. Endeavor acquired a majority stake in the UFC in 2016 and bought out the remaining minority shareholders in 2021.
Does Dana White own any of the UFC?
No, Dana White does not own any part of the UFC. However, he remains the president and CEO of the organization. His leadership and vision have been crucial to the UFC’s success and growth.
Is Joe Rogan part owner of UFC?
No, Joe Rogan is not a part owner of the UFC. He is a long-time commentator and a prominent figure in the sport, but he does not hold any ownership stake in the organization.
Who are the real owners of UFC?
The real owner of the UFC is Endeavor Group Holdings. Endeavor acquired the UFC in 2016 and became the sole owner in 2021 after going public and buying out the remaining minority shareholders. Key figures in the organization include Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings, and Dana White, president and CEO of the UFC. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
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