UFC Gets Star Investment
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced that a number of high profile names from sport and entertainment have invested in the mixed martial arts series.
Investors from the world of sport include National Football League (NFL) players Cam Newton and Tom Brady and owner of New England Patriots Robert Kraft as well as tennis stars, Li Na, Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams.
Musicians, Hollywood actors and entertainment stars have also invested, including Abel Tesfaye, Adam Levine, Anthony Kiedis, Ben Affleck, Calvin Harris, Conan O’Brien, Flea, Guy Fieri, Jimmy Kimmel, LL Cool J, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Bay, Rob Dyrdek, Sylvester Stallone, Trey Parker and Tyler Perry.
The latest round of significant investment in the sport follows July’s announcement that WME | IMG – joined by Silver Lake Partners, KKR, MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD Partners – would acquire UFC.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but reports suggest that each investor would contribute a minimum of $250,000.
“Expanding our ownership group to include this calibre of talent and entrepreneurs is a strong indicator of UFC’s fast-growing global presence,” UFC president Dana White said. “Our new investors bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to help us continue to elevate this brand and capitalise on its entertainment and sports crossover appeal.”
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