Sydney Sweeney’s boyfriend, Scooter Braun, came remarkably close to acquiring OnlyFans through confidential negotiations, according to recent reports. The secretive deal involving the high-profile executive and the video platform, which boasts immense revenues, nearly reshaped the landscape for both the company’s creators and the entertainment industry.
Behind the Scenes of the Scrapped OnlyFans Acquisition Attempt
Scooter Braun, connected to major talents like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, reportedly entered into advanced discussions to purchase OnlyFans, the video-sharing service known for its adult content and content creators. The negotiations involved CEO Keily Blair and dealmaker Jamie Sharp, who engaged in serious talks with Braun as the potential buyer.
Despite careful planning and positioning as the platform’s prospective leader, Braun ultimately walked away from the deal, leaving the reasons undisclosed. This decision was unexpected, considering Braun was seen as the “face and brains” who could attract more celebrity talent to OnlyFans, building on its existing roster that includes Iggy Azalea, Cardi B., and Bella Thorne.
Financial Stakes and Competing Interests
OnlyFans, operated by Leonid Radvinsky and Fenix International, reached $6.6 billion in revenue for 2023, as confirmed by recent filings. The company’s impressive growth has attracted significant investor attention, including suitors like L.A.-based investment firm Forest Road Co., with media estimate placing OnlyFans’ value near $8 billion.
Braun’s background in the music industry and his ties to influential figures were reportedly factors that placed him at the forefront of the acquisition process. Industry outlets suggested that his presence could usher in more high-profile partnerships, leveraging creators’ success stories and securing the platform’s financial future.
OnlyFans’ Impact According to Leadership
During a Bloomberg Tech event in London, CEO Keily Blair revealed the scope of OnlyFans’ economic contributions to its global base of content creators, stating the platform has paid out $25 billion to creators since its 2016 launch.
There’s not very many tech companies that can talk about creating wealth for others rather than just profiteering, essentially,
Keily Blair, CEO
She further expressed pride in how OnlyFans has changed lives for countless creators, noting their ability to innovate, grow their base, and explore new opportunities in a dynamic environment.
For us as a company, that makes us very proud. We talk to our content creators and we understand the difference that it’s made to their lives, the way that they can continue to challenge themselves or build their fanbase or try something new, be a bit disruptive,
Keily Blair, CEO
What Comes Next After the Failed Acquisition
The sudden halt of Scooter Braun’s intended acquisition leaves OnlyFans to chart its own course under its current leadership and ownership. With strong revenue streams and widespread recognition among creators such as Iggy Azalea, Cardi B., and Bella Thorne, the platform remains a major player in the content economy. The close involvement of high-profile executives and interest from major investors highlights the ongoing importance of platforms like OnlyFans for both established and emerging figures.
This episode, featuring the secretive talks between Braun and industry executives, also demonstrates the ever-changing nature of entertainment industry investments, where both risk and reward are high. Industry observers will continue to monitor whether new suitors emerge and how OnlyFans continues to shape the careers of its content creators moving forward, especially amidst ongoing debates about the value and impact of such platforms.
