Forbes names UFC world's 7th most valuable sports business
Despite its current state of flux, the UFC has landed among esteemed company.
Forbes' Mike Ozanian ranked the MMA promotion seventh in the "sports business" category of the world's most valuable sports brands in 2016.
The UFC's lofty position was partially attributed to WME-IMG's purchase of the company this past summer. Based on local revenue streams - including ticket sales and television - Ozanian appraised the brand at $2 billion, more than three times last year's estimated value, and half its sale price.
Still, Ozanian ruled the UFC's spot a tenuous one, warning of a drastic drop in value should it fail to increase profitability.
The promotion's official and much-maligned sponsor, Reebok, held the list's ninth spot.
The Super Bowl (event), Roger Federer (athlete), the New York Yankees (team), and Nike (business) all ranked No. 1 in their respective categories. No martial artist - not even UFC's cash cow Conor McGregor - made the top 10 in the athlete category.
- With h/t to Bloody Elbow