The UFC was purchased by WME-IMG for $4 billion in July, and a slew of the talent agency’s biggest clients have reportedly invested in the promotion on the heels of the acquisition.
According to the Wall Street Journal‘s Erich Schwartzel, Serena and Venus Williams, actor Ben Affleck and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine are among those who have invested in UFC since WME-IMG acquired the mixed martial arts company.
Fox Sports’ Damon Martin also listed New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and late-night host Conan O’Brien among those who now own equity in UFC.
Speaking on a Thursday night episode of Conan, O’Brien told his studio audience that he is now a part owner of the company, per Martin:
After the UFC deal was announced, WME — William Morris Endeavor — gave some of their clients an opportunity to purchase a small ownership stake in the UFC. I’m excited to announce that I was one of those clients.
I said yes and so now I technically own a piece of the UFC. I am now part of a group of investors that includes Ben Affleck, Tom Brady, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Levine, Cam Newton, LL Cool J, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Sylvester Stallone, just to name a very few.
Schwartzel noted terms of the investments were not disclosed.
As far as the potential for growth goes, the promotion is reportedly exploring ways to expand its reach on digital platforms.
According to Schwartzel, “WME-IMG plans for the UFC include more programming on the UFC’s digital subscription service, which would provide more than just fights.”
UFC’s next big showcase is in less than two months, when Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez clash in UFC 205’s main event at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 12.
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