Full Breakdown
Six Flags Sells Seven Parks to EPR Properties for $331 Million
3/8/2026, 1:56:37 AM
Overview of the Transaction
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced the sale of seven amusement parks to EPR Properties for $331 million. This strategic move is part of Six Flags' initiative to streamline operations, enhance liquidity, and focus on parks with greater growth potential. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2026.
Details of the Parks Involved
The parks included in the sale are:
- Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri
- Michigan's Adventure in Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas
- Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri
- Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York
- Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec
Collectively, these parks attracted approximately 4.5 million visitors last year, generating around $260 million in sales and $45 million in profit.
Strategic Implications for Six Flags
Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly emphasized that the sale allows the company to concentrate resources on properties that promise the strongest returns. This decision follows a challenging financial year for Six Flags, which reported a net loss of $1.6 billion in 2025. The company aims to invest more than $1 billion over two years in its remaining parks, including Carowinds, which is set to open for its second season under Six Flags ownership in March 2026.
Management of the Sold Parks
EPR Properties plans to manage the six U.S. parks through Enchanted Parks, while La Ronde Operations Inc. will oversee Six Flags La Ronde in Canada. EPR will retain the Six Flags branding, allowing existing season and multi-park passes to remain valid during the transition.
Changes and Investments at Carowinds
As part of its strategy, Six Flags has made significant changes at Carowinds, including the removal of legacy rides and the introduction of new attractions such as Snoopy’s Racing Railway and Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast. The park has also launched new events and celebrations, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for Six Flags stated, "We understand how meaningful these parks are to the communities they serve and to the guests who have grown up visiting them." The spokesperson expressed confidence in EPR's ability to manage the parks effectively while noting that the sale enables Six Flags to invest in parks with the greatest potential for growth and innovation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the sale is framed as a positive strategic move, some critics may argue that divesting from these parks could diminish Six Flags' brand presence and community engagement in those regions. Concerns about the long-term impact on local economies and employment at the sold parks have also been raised.
What's Next
As Six Flags moves forward with this transaction, the company will focus on enhancing its remaining parks, including potential new attractions and infrastructure upgrades. The transition of the sold parks to EPR Properties is expected to proceed smoothly, with no significant disruptions to guest experiences anticipated during the changeover.
