Dana White Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Dana White’s Net Worth and Salary Overview

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

In 2016, when the UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor (WME) for $4 billion, Dana held a 9% stake in the company. Previously, he had sold most of his shares to the Fertitta brothers, who are billionaire casino owners. After taxes, Dana’s share from the sale amounted to approximately $360 million.

Thanks to his leadership, White has revolutionized the UFC, transforming it from a struggling niche organization into a global powerhouse in mixed martial arts (MMA). He is credited with playing a significant role in popularizing the sport around the world, leading to the UFC’s expansion into international markets, securing lucrative television and sponsorship agreements, and dramatically increasing its revenue and fan base.

White’s dynamic marketing strategies and the promotion of star fighters have been critical in propelling MMA into mainstream sports recognition. He has played a key role in organizing some of the sport’s most high-stakes fights, enhancing the UFC’s status as the leading organization in MMA. His contributions have not only changed the perception of MMA but also facilitated the professionalization and regulation of the sport.

In addition to his achievements in the UFC, White has launched Zuffa Boxing and engaged in various philanthropic endeavors. His outspoken nature and hands-on management style have established him as a notable figure within the sports industry, often attracting attention for his decisive actions and significant contributions to the growth of MMA.

Background and Early Life

Born Dana Frederick White Jr. on July 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, Dana White is the son of June and Dana White. Raised predominantly by his mother and grandparents alongside his sister Kelly, his upbringing involved frequent moves between Las Vegas and Maine. An avid sports enthusiast, especially in boxing, he is also a lifelong supporter of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. White graduated from Hermon High School in Maine in 1987.

Initiating His Career

White enrolled at the University of Massachusetts but did not complete his studies there. During this period, he initiated a boxing program aimed at at-risk inner-city youth. To support himself, he worked as an aerobics instructor. Eventually, he moved permanently to Las Vegas, founding Dana White Enterprises in 1992.

Around this time, he began managing fighters such as Chuck Lidell and Tito Ortiz, while also exploring other fighting styles, including Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai, which would later characterize the UFC.

Fortune smiled upon White as he reconnected with Lorenzo Fertitta, a former high school classmate who had become a successful executive at Station Casinos. Their bond rekindled at a wedding in the mid-’90s, where they shared their mutual passion for boxing and expressed a desire to collaborate in the future.

The UFC

While managing fighters, disputes arose between White and the UFC. Upon reviewing the financial status of Semaphore Entertainment Group, the UFC’s parent company, he discovered they were facing bankruptcy. Upon this revelation, White reached out to his childhood friend, Lorenzo Fertitta, to propose an acquisition offer.

Lorenzo quickly recognized the potential for profit and agreed to purchase the UFC, also bringing his older brother Frank into the deal. The Fertitta brothers ultimately invested $2 million in 2001 for an 81% stake in the UFC, subsequently appointing White as president. Since acquiring the UFC, White and his team have transformed the organization from what was once viewed as brutal and illegal into a global sensation.

White has retained the role of president, even after the company’s sale. His leadership has significantly boosted the sport’s popularity, evolving it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In May 2017, the UFC announced White would host a show called “Dana White’s Contender Series,” available exclusively through UFC’s streaming service, UFC Fight Pass. This series showcases emerging fighters who have the opportunity to demonstrate their talent for a chance to enter the UFC. White disclosed on March 18, 2019, that he signed a new contract with ESPN to extend his presidency for an additional seven years.

In January 2023, White introduced a new slap-fighting competition titled “Power Slap.” However, it was reported that TBS canceled the show.

UFC Sale to WME

Before the 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 up to $6 billion. At that estimated figure, Dana’s 9% stake would amount to $540 million. In July 2016, it was confirmed that the UFC had been sold to WME-IMG for $4 billion, resulting in $360 million for Dana after taxes.

In 2023, Endeavor (the rebranded WME-IMG) established a new public company that merged WWE with UFC, while White continued in his role as UFC president.

Controversies

In 2009, White directed inappropriate and offensive language towards reporter Loretta Hunt due to a report she published, which displeased him. He employed anti-gay slurs when discussing sources linked to her articles. GLAAD condemned his actions, urging accountability.

After facing backlash, White issued an apology for the anti-gay slur.

During a New Year’s Eve celebration in 2023 at a nightclub located in Mexico, an argument between White and his wife unfolded. Following her slap, he retaliated by slapping her back, an incident that was captured on video. The couple accepted accountability for their behavior, attributing it to alcohol, and expressed remorse for their actions.

Personal Life

Since 1996, White has been happily married to Anne, whom he first met during the eighth grade. They have a family that includes two sons, Aidan and Dana III, and a daughter named Savannah. White prefers to maintain a level of privacy regarding his family life.

In May 2012, White revealed that he had been diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, a neurological disorder believed to have been triggered by a fight from his youth. By 2022, he had also been diagnosed with extremely high triglyceride levels and other irregularities. Following this, he adopted a keto diet, which he claims has improved his sleep apnea and reduced leg pain.

White was a staunch supporter of Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign and even spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. In support of Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign, White participated in rallies and interviews to highlight Trump’s early backing of the UFC, which included allowing one of its initial major events to be hosted at one of his properties.

In 2010, White contributed $50,000 for the liver transplant of Tuptim Jadnooleum, the daughter of a Tiger Muay Thai instructor. Furthermore, in 2011, he donated $100,000 to his former high school for renovations.

Real Estate

In 2006, Dana White purchased a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, for $1.95 million. Between October 2016 and June 2017, he acquired three additional mansions in the same area, totaling approximately $6.2 million. Following the issuance of demolition permits, White and his family currently reside in an opulent mega-mansion in Las Vegas.

Accolades

In 2009, White was awarded the Nevada Sportsman of the Year title. He earned the Promoter of the Year award at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards for nine consecutive years. Additionally, White was recognized as Leading Man of the Year at the World MMA Awards from 2008 up until 2019. The Armed Forces Foundation honored White with the Patriot Award in 2019.