UFC President and CEO Dana White has been appointed to the board of directors for Meta (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This marks White’s first venture into corporate board membership.
White, celebrated as the driving force behind UFC’s meteoric rise and one of the most influential figures in sports, joins John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst as the latest additions to Meta’s board.
Founded by Mark Zuckerberg, California-based Meta oversees a portfolio of social media platforms and cutting-edge technologies that continue to shape global communication.
White’s Appointment Hints at Strategic Shifts for Meta
White’s appointment comes shortly after Joel Kaplan’s promotion to president of global affairs at Meta. Kaplan, who served in the George W. Bush administration before joining Meta in 2011, has deep Republican Party ties.
White, a close friend of President-elect Donald Trump, has also shown strong political affiliations. He spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2020 and 2024 and has been a consistent donor to Trump’s campaigns.
Political analysts speculate that Kaplan’s promotion and White’s addition to the board may signal a strategic shift at Meta. Observers suggest that CEO Mark Zuckerberg may be seeking to build stronger relationships with the incoming Trump administration and address perceptions of left-leaning bias within the company.
“Under Dana White’s leadership, UFC has become a global powerhouse, hosting over 40 live events annually at prestigious venues worldwide. The organization broadcasts to over 975 million households across 170+ countries,” Meta stated.
White’s Gaming Legacy in Las Vegas
Beyond his role with UFC, White is well-known in Las Vegas for his high-stakes betting. Often placing six-figure wagers, White has developed a reputation for leaving casinos after consecutive wins, sometimes earning seven-figure payouts.
While some casinos in Las Vegas have barred him, Caesars Entertainment and Red Rock Resorts still welcome his business. In early 2024, White claimed to have “clipped” Caesars Palace for $26–$27 million.
Red Rock Resorts, controlled by Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta—early investors in UFC and longtime Trump supporters—maintains a close connection to White.
With his deep ties to gaming, sports, and politics, White’s appointment to Meta’s board is poised to bring a unique perspective to the social media giant’s leadership team.
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