Okay, stop scrolling for a second. Because Conor McGregor, yes, the Conor McGregor, just dropped a bomb on Instagram that has both Wall Street suits and TikTok creators doing double takes.
The man who threw punches in the UFC, threw whiskey into the alcohol industry, and apparently throws cash like it’s cardio… is now eyeing a takeover of OnlyFans.
And no, this isn’t a rumour. This is very real. The world’s most infamous subscription platform is officially up for grabs, and McGregor has thrown his name into the ring.
Let’s unpack this madness.
OnlyFans: From “NSFW” to “Net Worth Goals”
Back in the day, OnlyFans was whispered about. It was the platform people name-dropped but pretended they didn’t subscribe to. Fast forward to now, and it’s an $8 billion digital empire , no typos there , that pays out billions to its creators every year.
The platform exploded during the pandemic, giving creators an unfiltered, no-middleman way to cash in on their content. Think exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes moments, personalised DMs, and let’s be honest, a whole lot of NSFW stuff too.
But over the years, it’s tried to clean up its image. Comedians, fitness influencers, musicians , they’re all here. OnlyFans wants to be seen less like “just p*rn” and more like “Patreon with attitude.”
So Why’s It Up for Sale?
Here’s the tea: Leonid Radvinsky, the low-key billionaire who owns OnlyFans through his company Fenix International, is reportedly thinking of selling it. He’s the guy who bought it in 2018 from its original UK founders and has already made over $1 billion in dividends. Talk about a glow-up.
Now, he’s putting it out there, $8 billion price tag, serious buyers only.
The reason? Speculation ranges from wanting a cleaner exit to capitalising on its current valuation high. Also, Radvinsky’s background (he founded MyFreeCams) means there’s always been a hint of adult industry baggage that makes IPO dreams tricky.
Conor McGregor: From Cage to Creator Capitalist
Now here’s where the story goes from “interesting” to “absolutely wild.”
Over the weekend, McGregor posted an Instagram Story that hinted (not so subtly) at a major move. The caption? A vague, cheeky nod to the OnlyFans sale news , enough to send both fans and financial blogs into overdrive.
Reports now say he’s in serious talks to buy the company.
And honestly? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.
McGregor already proved his business chops. His Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand sold for around $677 million, making him far more than just another athlete trying to slap their name on merch. He even owns The Black Forge Inn, a pub in Dublin that’s part cocktail bar, part McGregor HQ.
The guy knows branding. He knows it’s viral. And he knows how to make money while flipping the script.
But Why OnlyFans?
Think about it: McGregor is a fighter, yes. But more than that, he’s a brand. A global, loud, unapologetic brand. And OnlyFans is a platform that thrives on unfiltered personalities.
No advertisers. No algorithm games. Just creators and fans, face to face, wallet to wallet.
What better place for a showman like McGregor?
Imagine this: exclusive behind-the-scenes from training camps, live Q&As, merch drops, fitness tips , all wrapped up in a subscription model. It’s basically the McGregor business playbook, just on steroids.
Plus, if he does buy it, he gets a ready-made audience of millions… and a company that’s already made $485 million in profit just last year.
Not bad for someone used to 60-second knockouts.
But Can He Actually Pull It Off?
Here’s the catch: OnlyFans might be profitable, but it comes with its own set of headaches.
- Adult content stigma: Not every brand or investor is thrilled about being linked to it.
- Regulation risks: From payment processors to government scrutiny, it’s a legal minefield.
- Reputation management: Cleaning up the image without alienating core creators is no easy task.
Would McGregor be willing to roll up his sleeves and play CEO? Or would he just put a team in place and play kingpin behind the scenes?
No one knows yet, but one thing’s for sure: he won’t be a silent partner.
What About the Creators?
That’s the million-dollar question. Or in this case, the $20 billion question, because that’s how much OnlyFans has reportedly paid creators since 2016.
Many of them built their entire careers around the platform. They’re not just influencers, they’re income-earners, digital entrepreneurs, and in many cases, internet celebrities with loyal fanbases.
If McGregor comes in with major changes, say, limiting adult content or introducing new policies, he risks losing the very people who made the platform a success.
But if he plays it right? He could open the doors to a completely new type of creator economy: one where celebrities, athletes, and content pros all share one digital arena.
So, What Happens Next?
No deal has been confirmed yet. Talks are still early. Other buyers are reportedly in the mix, including investment groups like Forest Road Company.
But McGregor’s public nod has already done what he does best, grab attention.
And whether he seals the deal or not, the idea of him owning OnlyFans is already reshaping the conversation around celebrity-led platforms, creator monetisation, and what the future of fan engagement could look like.
In a world where fame is currency, and content is king, Conor McGregor just might become the emperor of both.
