Dana White Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Dana White’s Net Worth and Salary?

An American businessman and sports promoter, Dana White boasts a net worth of $500 million. He is widely recognized as the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a prominent mixed martial arts organization.

In 2016, when UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor (WME) for $4 billion, Dana held a 9% stake in the organization. Prior to that, he had sold the majority ownership to the Fertitta brothers, renowned billionaire casino magnates. After taxes, Dana’s 9% share from the sale resulted in approximately $360 million.

Thanks to his leadership, White has transformed the UFC from a struggling niche organization into a global powerhouse in mixed martial arts (MMA), playing a major role in popularizing the sport around the world. His tenure has led to the expansion of the UFC into international markets, the establishment of lucrative television and sponsorship deals, and a dramatic increase in both the fan base and revenue.

White’s intensive marketing tactics and the promotion of star fighters have been crucial in advancing MMA to attain mainstream sports recognition. He has spearheaded the organization of some of the most significant fights in the sport’s history, thereby enhancing the UFC’s status as the leading organization in MMA. His contributions have not only changed the perception of MMA but have also been vital in the professionalization and regulation of the sport.

In addition to his UFC achievements, White has pursued entrepreneurial projects such as Zuffa Boxing and has engaged in various philanthropic initiatives. His bold personality and proactive approach have established him as a significant figure within the sports arena, frequently attracting media attention for his daring decisions and roles in the advancement of MMA.

Early Life

Born on July 28th, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, Dana White is the son of June and Dana White. He and his sister, Kelly, were primarily raised by their mother and grandparents, spending their youth alternating between Las Vegas and Maine. Passionate about sports, especially boxing, White is a lifelong supporter of the Boston Red Sox baseball team and graduated from Hermon High School in Maine in 1987.

Early Career

Although he attended the University of Massachusetts, White did not complete his studies. During his time there, he established a boxing program for at-risk children in inner cities and also worked as an aerobics instructor for income. Ultimately, he moved to Las Vegas permanently, where he founded Dana White Enterprises in 1992.

Around this period, he began managing fighters Chuck Lidell and Tito Ortiz and expanded his interests into other fighting styles, including Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai, which would later help define the UFC.

Fortunately, White had childhood ties with Lorenzo Fertitta, a former high school classmate who became a successful executive at Station Casinos. The two reconnected at a wedding in the mid-’90s, sharing their mutual passion for boxing and expressing a desire to collaborate in the future.

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The UFC

While managing fighters, disputes with the UFC drew White’s attention. During an inspection of Semaphore Entertainment Group’s finances, the UFC’s parent company, he discovered they were facing bankruptcy. After this revelation, White reached out to his childhood friend, Lorenzo Fertitta, to propose making a purchase offer.

Recognizing the potential profits, Lorenzo quickly orchestrated a deal to acquire the UFC, also inviting his older brother Frank to join in. The acquisition in 2001 cost the Fertitta brothers $2 million for an 81% ownership stake in the UFC, after which White was appointed president. Since that purchase, White and his team transformed the organization, which had previously been viewed as barbaric and illegal, into a global sensation.

Even post-sale, White retained the role of president. His leadership has drastically enhanced the sport’s popularity, escalating it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In May 2017, the UFC revealed that White would host a series titled “Dana White’s Contender Series,” exclusive to the UFC’s digital streaming platform, UFC Fight Pass. This show highlights emerging fighters and provides them with a chance to demonstrate their talents for a future opportunity within the UFC. On March 18, 2019, White disclosed that he had signed a new seven-year contract with ESPN to continue as UFC president.

In January 2023, White introduced his slap-fighting series “Power Slap.” However, this venture was reportedly canceled by TBS.

UFC Sale to WME

Before the company’s sale, Dana held a 9% stake in the UFC. Reports in May 2016 indicated that the Fertitta brothers were in advanced discussions to sell the UFC for approximately $6 billion, making Dana’s 9% share worth $540 million. By July 2016, the sale of UFC to talent agency WME-IMG for $4 billion was confirmed, resulting in Dana receiving $360 million before taxes.

In 2023, Endeavor, formerly WME-IMG, established a new public company merging WWE with UFC, while White remained in his role as UFC president.

Controversies

In 2009, White directed vulgar and derogatory remarks towards reporter Loretta Hunt in response to a report that displeased him. His comments included anti-gay slurs directed at the sources of her story. GLAAD responded by calling for…
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After making an anti-gay slur, White issued an apology, which he later followed through with.

During a New Year’s Eve 2023 celebration at a nightclub in Mexico, an argument unfolded between White and his wife. Following an altercation where Anne slapped him, he retaliated by slapping her back, with the incident being captured on video. Both acknowledged their roles in the incident, attributing it to alcohol, and expressed remorse for their behavior.

Personal Life

Since 1996, White has been married to Anne, whom he met in eighth grade. They have a family consisting of two sons, Aidan and Dana III, along with a daughter named Savannah. White tends to maintain a low profile regarding his family life.

In May 2012, White revealed his diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, a neurological disorder he attributed largely to an incident from his youth involving a fight. In 2022, he faced a diagnosis of significantly high triglyceride levels and other health irregularities. He has since adopted a keto diet that has reportedly improved his sleep apnea and reduced the pain in his legs.

White was a strong advocate for Donald Trump during his initial presidential campaign, even speaking at the 2016 Republican National Convention held in Cleveland, Ohio. During the 2020 reelection campaign for Trump, White continued to support the president, participating in rallies and interviews to highlight Trump’s early backing of the UFC, which allowed one of its significant events to take place at one of his venues.

In 2010, White contributed $50,000 toward a liver transplant for Tuptim Jadnooleum, whose father was one of the instructors at Tiger Muay Thai. Additionally, in 2011, he donated $100,000 to his former high school for renovation efforts.

Real Estate

In 2006, Dana White purchased a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, for $1.95 million. Subsequently, from October 2016 to June 2017, he acquired three additional mansions in the same vicinity for a combined total of approximately $6.2 million. After obtaining demolition permits, White and his family now reside in an extravagant mega-mansion in Las Vegas.

Accolades

In 2009, White was honored with the Nevada Sportsman of the Year award. For nine consecutive years at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, he received the title of Promoter of the Year. From 2008 to 2019, White was recognized as Leading Man of the Year at the World MMA Awards. Additionally, in 2019, the Armed Forces Foundation presented him with the Patriot Award.