The latest edition of the Sports Business Journal lists Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White in its annual “50 Most Influential People in Sports Business.” It is the first time that either Fertitta or White have been listed.
UPDATE: Fertitta and White were listed at #41.
Other notable individuals on the list include Fox Sports Media Group’s David Hill and Eric Shanks who were collectively ranked at number 5. Hill and Shanks played a role in the UFC-Fox deal. NBC Universal Holdings President and CEO Steve Burke ranked at number 1.
The Sports Business Journal described Fertitta and White as, “[t]he Las Vegas billionaire and his bombastic front man” and taking the UFC “from outlawed to in thing.”
Payout Perspective:
The inclusion of Fertitta and White on the list, which includes the top executives of professional sports leagues and sports business, is a sign that MMA is beginning to gain mainstream respectability. The Fox deal and the company’s global expansion are cited as successful business moves made this year for the company. We will see if they can maintain their spot on the list with its business moves this year.
…and to complete the article, Dana and Lorenzo came in at #41.
Thanks MV! I’ve updated the article.
Here’s the whole list: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2011/12/12/Most-Influential/1.aspx
Do you think they’ll be able to stay in the top 50 by next year’s rankings?