Sports: the Agents take over, UFC goes for big bucks

Even if your interest in MMA is as marginal as mine, 4-Bil is still some serious coin:

WME-IMG announced its acquisition of UFC on Monday, with Silver Lake Partners and KKR will joining as new strategic investors, along with MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD Partners, L.P. which will provide preferred equity financing.

“We’ve been fortunate over the years to represent UFC and a number of its remarkable athletes,” said WME-IMG co-CEOs Ariel Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell. “It’s been exciting to watch the organization’s incredible growth over the last decade under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers, Dana White and their dedicated team. We’re now committed to pursuing new opportunities for UFC and its talented athletes to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success on a global scale.”

Dana White will continue to serve as president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.