WME Very Bullish

One day after announcing its expansion into Australia, WME / IMG stated that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Professional Bull Riders pro bull riding circuit.

PBR, headquartered in Colorado, has more than 300 bull-riding events globally each year, attended by more than 3 million people. Events include the PBR Built Ford Tough Series, the BlueDEF Velocity Tour, and PBR international circuits in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.

“We’ve worked closely with the PBR for the last several years and share their passion for expanding the sport of bull riding globally,” WME / IMG co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell said in a statement. “The resources across WME / IMG make the partnership a perfect match, combining top quality event production and broadcast rights.”

WME / IMG recently acquired Global eSports Management, Dixon Talent, and MADE Fashion Week among other entities. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust regulatory approval, and is expected to close in May. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed but a source told Variety the transaction was $100 million.