Sports, music, TV icons invest in UFC

As icons in their chosen fields, Tom Brady, Venus Williams, Conan O’Brien, Sylvester Stallone and LL Cool J all have unique skill sets and knowledge that have carried them to the top. Now, those five superstars, along with 18 of their fellow luminaries, will lend their knowledge and influence as the latest investors in the ownership group of the UFC.

“Expanding our ownership group to include this caliber of talent and entrepreneurs is a strong indicator of UFC’s fast-growing global presence,” UFC President Dana White said in a statement. “Our new investors bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to help us continue to elevate this brand and capitalize on its entertainment and sports crossover appeal.”

Revealed Thursday evening by O’Brien on TBS’ Conan show, this landmark announcement comes on the heels of the purchase of the UFC by WME | IMG and its partners in July.

Along with the aforementioned quintet, new UFC investors include Ben Affleck, Michael Bay, Rob Dyrdek, Guy Fieri, Flea, Calvin Harris, Anthony Kiedis, Jimmy Kimmel, Robert Kraft, Adam Levine, Li Na, Cam Newton, Trey Parker, Tyler Perry, Maria Sharapova, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Mark Wahlberg -- not just as fans of the fastest growing sport in the world, but team members.

“Recently, entertainment giants IMG and William Morris Endeavor (WME) purchased the UFC,” O’Brien said. “It was one of the biggest transactions in the entire history of sports. I happen to be represented by William Morris Endeavor, and these guys do a terrific job. After the UFC deal was announced, WME gave some of their clients an opportunity to purchase a small ownership stake in the UFC, and I’m excited to say that I’m one of those clients.

“I am now part of a group of investors that includes Ben Affleck, Tom Brady, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Levine, Cam Newton, LL Cool J, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Sylvester Stallone, just to name a very few. That’s a nice group of people. I’m very honored to be a part of this group. I really am.”