Full Breakdown
Six Flags Sells Seven Parks to EPR Properties
3/5/2026, 8:33:29 PM
Overview of the Sale
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. has announced the sale of seven amusement parks, including Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, to EPR Properties for approximately $331 million. This transaction is part of Six Flags' strategy to streamline its operations and focus on parks with higher growth potential. The sale includes Six Flags St. Louis, Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, and Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Canada. The deal is expected to close by the end of March 2026.
Financial Context and Strategic Goals
The parks being sold collectively attracted around 4.5 million visitors in 2025, generating approximately $260 million in net revenue. Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly stated that the sale will allow the company to concentrate its resources on parks deemed to have the greatest potential for innovation and expansion. He emphasized that the decision aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen the company's financial position following a challenging merger with Cedar Fair in 2024, which left Six Flags with significant debt and operational complexities.
Operational Continuity for Guests
Despite the ownership change, all seven parks will continue to operate under the Six Flags brand through the end of the 2026 season. Season passes and memberships will be honored during this period, ensuring that guests experience no disruption in their visits. EPR Properties plans to lease and operate the parks through its subsidiary, Enchanted Parks, which has experience managing similar attractions.
Official Statements & Responses
Six Flags expressed confidence in the future of the parks under EPR's management, stating, "We are confident in the future of these parks under the care of EPR and its operating partners, who have strong experience managing parks of this scale." EPR Properties' CEO Gregory K. Silvers noted that the acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand their portfolio with high-quality attractions that deliver stable, long-term cash flows.
Criticism & Opposition
While the sale is framed as a strategic move for growth, some critics have raised concerns about the implications for local communities and the potential loss of the Six Flags brand identity. The transition to new management may also lead to changes in park operations and guest experiences in the future, which remains uncertain.
What's Next
The transaction is expected to finalize by the end of the first quarter or early second quarter of 2026, pending necessary approvals. Six Flags will continue to operate its remaining 34 parks across North America, focusing on enhancing guest experiences and investing in new attractions at these locations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This step allows us to concentrate on the Six Flags parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion, and elevated guest experiences.” — John Reilly, President and CEO of Six Flags
- “These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value.” — Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and CEO of EPR Properties
- “We understand how meaningful these parks are to the communities they serve and to the guests who have grown up visiting them,” — Six Flags Statement
This sale marks a significant shift in the operational landscape for Six Flags as it seeks to optimize its portfolio and enhance its financial stability.
