Ari Emanuel has always played the long game, and his latest move exemplifies why he is one of the most dominant personalities in combat sports. With Silver Lake’s $25 billion acquisition of Endeavor finalized, the UFC owner walks away with a historic payday while preparing the company for even bigger deals in the future. The sale, which takes Endeavor private, relieves Emanuel and his longtime buddy Dana White of Wall Street demands, allowing them to focus on what they do best: growing the UFC into a worldwide sports and media powerhouse. But while Emanuel secures his fortune, White is pursuing a groundbreaking new TV deal that has the potential to forever reshape the financial landscape of MMA.
The UFC’s current television contract with ESPN expires in 2025, so all eyes are on how the next deal will propel the sport closer to the financial heights of the NFL and NBA. The financial specifics of Endeavor’s deal are startling. Emanuel is expected to collect $173.8 million in cash while also transferring an extra $290.27 million in ownership stakes to the newly privatized corporation. His longstanding business partner, Patrick Whitesell, who is leaving to start a new media investment firm, earned a $100 million payout while rolling over $265.7 million in ownership interests.
Endeavor stockholders will receive $27.50 per share, a 55% premium over the pre-sale market price. The move concentrates power in the hands of a few key stakeholders, allowing them to design the future of sports entertainment free of the short-term constraints of public investors.
For the UFC head honcho, this restructuring could not have happened at a better time. As the UFC expands globally, acquiring a television rights deal comparable to major American sports leagues has been his main aim. The promotion’s current agreement with ESPN, worth $1.5 billion over five years, has contributed significantly to the sport’s growth, but Dana White believes the next contract will surely be game-changing.
Ari Emanuel Scores $173.8M Cash Payout in Endeavor Go-Private Dealhttps://t.co/HOu1OF3HBq
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 24, 2025
With record-breaking pay-per-view numbers, a devoted fan base, and expanding overseas markets, the Dana White-led promotion has become a valuable asset for major broadcasters and streaming services. The right deal could skyrocket the UFC’s annual earnings, cementing its position as one of the world’s most valuable sports properties. With Endeavor now privately owned and the UFC preparing for a historic media rights contract, the combat business has never been stronger. Emanuel has made his wealth, Whitesell is leaving, and White is preparing for what could be the most lucrative agreement in MMA history. One can clearly say that this is really a good time for the world of mixed martial arts. And if it continues like this, the UFC is looking at a deal no less than a billion dollars!
Dana White looking to secure a billion-dollar annual deal for the UFC
With Endeavor now privately owned and the UFC thriving like never before, Dana White is all geared up to negotiate what may be the sport’s largest television rights contract ever. The current contract with ESPN, worth $1.5 billion for seven years, will expire in 2025. This time, the UFC isn’t simply looking for a renewal; it wants a billion-dollar annual contract, putting it in the same category as the NFL and the NBA. White has stated that numerous networks and streaming companies are interested, which could radically change the way fans watch UFC events.
“Yeah, everyone is kicking the tires,” White said, noting the increased interest in the UFC’s media rights. While he did express satisfaction with ESPN, the head honcho did not rule out expanding to other broadcasters. “Who knows? We could end up like the NBA and the NFL, where we end up on multiple channels instead of just one.” Companies such as Amazon, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and YouTube are apparently interested. With WWE signing a $5 billion agreement with Netflix, TKO, the UFC’s parent company, sees a comparable possibility in mixed martial arts.
Under the current ESPN deal, the Dana White-led promotion’s content is divided into Fight Nights, main cards, and PPV events. A multi-platform agreement might increase money and publicity while offering fans more options for watching. TKO’s Mark Shapiro revealed that at least four or five companies have entered discussions. “This is an industry-changing deal,” Shapiro stated, citing WWE’s performance as evidence that combat sports are more lucrative than ever. If discussions go as expected, the UFC might receive its largest payout yet. What do you think? Will Dana White be able to land a historic deal for the biggest MMA promotion in the world? Let us know in the comments.
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