Dana White-Meta: Salary, Role & More on UFC CEO’s Part on Board of Directors

Dana White is no stranger to bold moves. As the UFC CEO, he transformed a struggling fight promotion into a global phenomenon. Now, he’s stepping out of the Octagon and into the tech world, joining Meta’s board of directors. Bwrut what does this partnership between two powerhouses—White and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg—mean?

The connection between these two giants didn’t just happen overnight. Behind the scenes, White and Zuckerberg have been brainstorming since late 2024, with a shared interest in artificial intelligence (AI) to revamp the UFC’s ranking system. As the news of the UFC boss joining Meta has dominated headlines, questions about his salary, role and more have emerged. Let’s take a look at all we know about the latest feather in Dana White’s cap!

How much will Dana White earn at Meta?

So, what’s in it for Dana White? As a board member, he’s set to receive a base retainer of at least $50,000, according to Meta’s previous filings as indicated by reports online. While the UFC boss’s compensation in the promotion is not public knowledge, this figure aligns with compensation packages for other directors at Meta.

In the official statement about joining forces with Zuckerberg, Dana White confessed, “I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board. I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future…”

If White takes on additional roles, such as joining committees like Privacy & Product Compliance or Audit & Risk Oversight, he could earn extra, with past members pocketing $10,000 to $50,000 for such responsibilities. It’s a lucrative setup, but not surprising given Meta’s global influence and White’s expertise in managing worldwide brands like the UFC.

Meta, meanwhile, benefits from more than White’s sharp business acumen. The tech giant has been dabbling in the sports world, even streaming UFC events in virtual reality. With the UFC’s $1.5 billion ESPN deal nearing its 2025 expiration, Meta could also have a front-row seat to the next wave of sports media innovation as the promotion is poised to shake up the broadcast world.

According to the Meta CEO, “Dana is the President and CEO of UFC, and he has built it into one of the most valuable, fastest growing, and most popular sports enterprises in the world. I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand.”

With a possibly hefty retainer, potential committee bonuses, and the chance to influence a tech giant, Dana White’s move to Meta is more than just a financial windfall—it’s a strategic leap. Meta stands to gain from his expertise in global branding, while White gets a front-row seat to the cutting edge of AI and virtual reality. But what exactly does this role entail?

What will Dana White’s role be at Meta?

At Meta, Dana White will be among an elite group of 13 board members, including Zuckerberg and industry leaders like Charlie Songhurst, a former Microsoft corporate strategist, and John Elkann, CEO of the European investment firm Ekon and executive chairman of massive companies like Stellantis and Ferrari. As revealed by the tech mogul, “We have massive opportunities ahead in AI, wearables and the future of social media and our board will help us achieve our vision.”

For White, this new role is about growth—not just for Meta but for himself. “I am very excited to join this incredible team and to learn more about this business from the inside. There is nothing I love more than building brands, and I look forward to helping take Meta to the next level.” White said, sharing his excitement about joining Meta’s team.

While White’s ventures outside the UFC—like ‘Power Slap’ and the very short-lived reality series, ‘The Ultimate Surfer’—haven’t reached the same heights, his influence in the sports world remains unmatched. In 2023, Sports Illustrated hailed him as one of the most influential figures in the industry. In 2024, both Sports Business Journal and Variety echoed similar sentiments. As such, the UFC head honcho’s deep understanding of what captivates global audiences could prove invaluable as Meta continues to expand its AI and virtual reality offerings.

His proven ability to transform the UFC into a global juggernaut speaks to his knack for building beloved brands—a skill Meta clearly values. But what more could be behind Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to bring White on board?

Possible reason why Mark Zuckerberg appointed Dana White

So, why did Mark Zuckerberg choose Dana White for this prestigious position? For one, the two share a passion for innovation—and for mixed martial arts. Zuckerberg, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a familiar face at UFC events has long admired White’s entrepreneurial spirit.

This partnership also comes at a time of strategic importance for Meta. The tech giant is doubling down on AI and wearable technologies, areas where White’s knack for audience engagement could be a game-changer. Additionally, White’s political connections—he has long been a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump—may help Meta navigate an often tumultuous political landscape.

In 2024, reports even suggested that White may have helped Trump leverage influencers, giving the campaign a modern edge. With his influence extending far beyond the octagon, White’s presence could help Meta bridge gaps with conservative lawmakers.

For Meta, this move isn’t without precedent. The company previously donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration committee and even saw CEO Mark Zuckerberg dining with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago. By aligning with White, Meta seems poised to foster smoother relationships with the Trump administration in the coming years.

In a rapidly shifting landscape of media, tech, and policy, Dana White’s role is as much about influence as it is about innovation. But the big questions remain—what will this unlikely alliance create? Could it revolutionize how sports and tech intersect, or is it the start of a broader political strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!