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 primarily recognized as the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is a mixed martial arts organization.

When the UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor (WME) in 2016 for $4 billion, Dana held a 9% stake in the organization. Prior to this, he had sold the majority stake to the Fertitta brothers, who are billionaire casino owners. After taxes, Dana earned approximately $360 million from his 9% share of the sale.

Under White’s leadership, the UFC underwent a remarkable transformation from a struggling, niche organization to a globally recognized mixed martial arts (MMA) powerhouse, credited with bringing the sport into the mainstream. His time at the helm has involved the expansion of the UFC into international markets, securing lucrative television and sponsorship agreements, and driving significant growth in both fan engagement and revenue.

White’s dynamic marketing strategies and the cultivation of star fighters have been critical in elevating MMA to the status of a mainstream sport. He has played a significant role in orchestrating some of the most notable fights in the sport’s history, solidifying the UFC’s position as the leading organization in MMA. His efforts have not only changed the public perception of MMA but have also significantly contributed to its professionalization and regulation.

In addition to his success with the UFC, White has explored entrepreneurial opportunities such as launching Zuffa Boxing and engaging in various charitable initiatives. His forthright personality and active participation in the industry have made him a well-known figure in the sports arena, frequently making headlines for his bold choices and contributions to the advancement of MMA.

Early Life

Born as Dana Frederick White Jr. on July 28th, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, Dana is the son of June and Dana White. His upbringing was predominantly overseen by his mother and grandparents, along with his sister, Kelly. During his formative years, he frequently transitioned between Las Vegas and Maine. Engaged deeply in sports, particularly boxing, Dana is also a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, having graduated from Hermon High School in Maine in 1987.

Early Career

Although Dana White attended the University of Massachusetts, he did not complete his degree. While studying there, he initiated a boxing program aimed at at-risk youth in the inner city. To support himself during that period, he also took on the role of an aerobics instructor. Eventually, he moved to Las Vegas permanently and founded Dana White Enterprises in 1992.

It was during this time that he started managing fighters such as Chuck Lidell and Tito Ortiz. White further broadened his involvement in various fighting styles, including Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai, which would later play a significant role in shaping the UFC.

Fortunately for White, he had a close friendship with Lorenzo Fertitta, a former high school classmate who had established himself as an executive at Station Casinos. They reconnected at a wedding in the mid-’90s, sharing their mutual passion for boxing and expressing a desire to collaborate in the future.

The UFC

While managing fighters, disputes arose between White and the UFC. Investigating the finances of Semaphore Entertainment Group, the parent entity of the UFC, he discovered that financial troubles were imminent. Upon this revelation, White reached out to his childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta to propose a potential acquisition.

Lorenzo quickly recognized the lucrative opportunity and agreed to acquire the UFC. He also brought his older brother Frank on board with the venture. In 2001, the Fertitta brothers purchased an 81% ownership stake in the UFC for a total of $2 million. Shortly afterward, White was appointed president. Since the acquisition, White and his team have transformed the organization from an activity perceived as barbaric and illegal into a global sensation.

White has remained in his role as president, even after the sale of the company. His leadership has significantly boosted the sport’s popularity and turned it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In May 2017, it was announced by the UFC that White would host a show titled “Dana White’s Contender Series.” Available exclusively on UFC’s digital streaming service, UFC Fight Pass, this program showcases up-and-coming fighters, offering them a platform to demonstrate their talents with the aim of eventually entering the UFC. On March 18, 2019, White shared news of a new contract with ESPN, ensuring his position as UFC president for an additional seven years.

In January 2023, White introduced his slap-fighting competition “Power Slap.” However, it was reported to have been canceled by TBS.

UFC Sale to WME

Before the company was sold, Dana held a 9% ownership stake in the UFC. Reports in May 2016 detailed that the Fertitta brothers were in the final stages of negotiating a sale of the UFC, potentially for up to $6 billion. Based on that valuation, Dana’s share would have equated to approximately $540 million. In July 2016, confirmation came that the UFC had indeed been sold to talent agency WME-IMG for $4 billion, leaving Dana with $360 million before taxes.

In 2023, Endeavor (which had previously operated as WME-IMG) established a new public company integrating both WWE and UFC, with White continuing in his capacity as president of the UFC.

Controversies

In 2009, White directed inappropriate and explicit remarks at reporter Loretta Hunt after she published a report that upset him. He employed anti-gay slurs in reference to sources cited in her articles. As a result, GLAAD expressed their concern and called for

White later issued an apology for the anti-gay slur.

During a New Year’s Eve party in 2023 at a nightclub in Mexico, White was observed having an argument with his wife. Following a slap from Anne, he retaliated with a slap of his own, an incident that was recorded on camera. Both individuals took accountability for their actions, attributing them to alcohol, and offered apologies.

Personal Life

Since 1996, White has been married to Anne, whom he met in the eighth grade. The couple has three children: two sons, Aidan and Dana III, and a daughter named Savannah. White prefers to keep details about his family life away from the public eye.

In May 2012, he revealed his diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, a neurological disorder he attributes largely to a childhood fight. In 2022, he received a diagnosis of extremely high triglyceride levels alongside other irregularities, and he has since followed a keto diet that has improved his sleep apnea and decreased leg pain.

An active supporter of Donald Trump’s initial presidential campaign, White even spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. During Trump’s reelection campaign in 2020, he continued to voice his support through rallies and interviews, highlighting Trump’s early backing of the UFC, which allowed one of its first major events to be hosted at one of his venues.

In 2010, White contributed $50,000 for a liver transplant to benefit Tuptim Jadnooleum, the daughter of one of the instructors at Tiger Muay Thai. Additionally, he made a $100,000 donation in 2011 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. Subsequently, between October 2016 and June 2017, he acquired three additional mansions in the same vicinity for approximately $6.2 million. After obtaining demolition permits for the properties, White and his family now reside in an opulent mega-mansion in Las Vegas.

Accolades

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