Chapter 268: Capet Sports

In Las Vegas, Evelyn Capet was negotiating with Lorenzo Fertitta, the current UFC owner, and their agent Dana White to acquire UFC.

Lorenzo Fertitta ran a casino business in Las Vegas, while Dana White was just an amateur fighter and a hotel security guard before this.

When UFC was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2002, Dana White sought out his childhood friends, the Fertitta brothers, to buy UFC together.

Lorenzo Fertitta looked at Evelyn Capet, who was sitting across from him, feeling conflicted.

"Lorenzo, in just four years, UFC's value has increased more than tenfold, isn't that enough for you?" Evelyn offered $25 million, which was the main reason for Lorenzo's hesitation.

Lorenzo Fertitta smiled and said, "We are reforming the UFC events to make the fights more entertaining and aim to sign high-value broadcasting contracts with the TV networks. At the same time, we are negotiating with the sports commission to make mixed martial arts a healthy entertainment activity!"

No matter what Lorenzo Fertitta said, Evelyn could tell from his expression that he was tempted; it was mainly a matter of price.

"$22 million in cash, Capet Sports wants to acquire 80% of UFC's shares. You and Dana White will each hold 10%, and Dana White will continue to manage UFC," Evelyn didn't want to waste more time; this offer valued UFC at nearly $28 million.

"You know, I'm the president of ETA, and I have deep connections in Hollywood. I can help promote the transition of fighter employees to the film industry, which would greatly benefit UFC's development. Our relationships with cable TV stations are also unmatched by yours!"

"$22 million!" Lorenzo Fertitta felt a jolt. They hadn't even spent $2 million when they initially acquired it, and now they were getting ten times that.

"Deal! I hope UFC will flourish under Ms. Capet's leadership!"

Evelyn smiled, "A wise choice!"

Meanwhile, in New York, Charles had been paying attention to the Madoff Investment Fund these past few days. After all, this kind of outrageous Ponzi scheme made Charles curious too.

Bernard Madoff had a spotless professional record, boasting fairness in trading and being known for his charitable donations; He connected with investors in luxurious spots like golf clubs and cocktail parties, building a network that flaunted his reputation of guaranteed investment returns.

"No wonder, investing with him is a status symbol," Charles muttered to himself, sitting in his villa's study by the Hudson River in Manhattan, reviewing Bernard Madoff's profile online.

If it hadn't been for the financial crisis, causing a mass need for funds, this Ponzi scheme could have continued fooling people!

"Ha ha, keep on going crazy. As the proverb goes: 'Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad!'"

Just as Charles was envisioning the future of Wall Street's high-rises tumbling like dominoes, his phone rang.

"Mom, what's up?" It was a call from Evelyn.

"It's done. $22 million. Capet Sports now owns 80% of UFC's shares. Plus, that bald head Dana White will still manage UFC. We mainly bought the shares from Lorenzo Fertitta and his brother!"

"Awesome, just over a week, right?" Charles stood up, "Mom, UFC is definitely going to be a golden goose in the future."

Dana White was a name Charles was very familiar with.

"I will take over as the chairman of UFC and let Dana White continue as the president. The reform of UFC events and the broadcasting contracts with TV stations are our current challenges," Evelyn was also eager to prove herself.

"By the way, Mom, I have some news that you might be interested in," Charles said with a smile.

"What news?"

"The English soccer star David Beckham, who currently plays for Real Madrid, will likely leave the club next year, and his next stop could be the LA Galaxy," Charles grinned. "The Anschutz Entertainment Group is strongly pushing for it!"

"Philip Anschutz? If it's him, then it's a high possibility. If ETA secures David Beckham's North American agency contract, that would be great!" Evelyn had no doubt about this.

After all, Anschutz Entertainment not only owned media companies like Walden Media and Bristol Bay Productions. Its main business was operating sports venues and theaters worldwide, holding stakes in numerous large sports centers. Staples Center, the home court of the Los Angeles Lakers, was under Anschutz Entertainment's control, not to mention their shares in the Lakers and the Kings.

"David Beckham is a highly valuable commercial asset, and Los Angeles has significant appeal for him. Philip Anschutz has grand plans to enhance the influence of Major League Soccer. He will spare no effort to bring Beckham in," Charles didn't care much about him personally, but he acknowledged Beckham's high commercial value.

"I understand. I'll definitely find a chance to reach out," the rise of ETA and expanding into sports management was a set strategy. David Beckham was a perfect marquee name.

After hanging up, Charles also had thoughts about the future of Capet Sports. Soccer, while being the world's most popular sport, had a small market in the U.S.

When it came to high commercial value, who could beat the Premier League?

For the North American market, it was undoubtedly football (NFL), baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA), and hockey (NHL) that were the top four commercial sports leagues!

Charles had made up his mind to make a big profit during the financial crisis and have Capet Sports acquire a few sports clubs.

As an American tycoon, Charles had to at least own an NFL team and an NBA team.

NFL teams not only had high commercial value but were also a symbol of status; Charles was more familiar with NBA teams; he wasn't much interested in MLB and NHL teams.

Of course, he would have to own a Premier League club, which would be an incredibly valuable investment.

Ah, a long way to go, especially since Capet Entertainment doesn't even own a TV station yet!

*****

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