Early Life and Education
Lorenzo Joseph Fertitta was born on January 3, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He and his brother, Frank Fertitta III, were raised in Las Vegas. Their father, Frank Fertitta Jr., moved the family from Texas in 1960. Lorenzo graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego in 1991 and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 1993.
Rise to Success
Fertitta began his career with Fertitta Enterprises, holding various executive positions from 1991 to 2000. He played a key role in the 1993 IPO of Station Casinos. In 2001, Lorenzo and his brother Frank III established Zuffa, LLC, and acquired the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million. Lorenzo served as chairman and CEO of UFC until 2016, transforming it into a global sports powerhouse. The Fertittas sold the UFC in 2016 for an estimated $4 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Fertitta's strategic moves included leading Station Casinos through its initial public offering and later guiding the company through bankruptcy reorganization, which ultimately reshaped the company's ownership. His acquisition and expansion of the UFC showcased his ability to identify and grow emerging markets, establishing unified rules for MMA competitions. In 2017, he and his brother launched Fertitta Capital, a private investment firm.
Philanthropy
Fertitta is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting Bishop Gorman High School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). In 2016, the Fertitta family donated $10 million to UNLV to fund a football facility, The Fertitta Football Complex. He also supports veterans and active-duty students through the Fertitta Veterans Program at NYU Stern, established with a $15 million endowment. He contributes to local Las Vegas charities focused on healthcare, food assistance, and community services.