Six Flags sells of Worlds of Fun, noting ‘significant milestone’ in transaction

The Patriot is seen at the forefront of Worlds of Fun with people riding the rollercoaster. — Courtesy of Worlds of Fun via Facebook

By Leah Rainwater

Published March 5, 2026 10:26 am

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Six Flags, a theme park parent company, announced it would sell seven of its parks, including Worlds of Fun.

Six Flags, also known as North America's largest regional amusement park operator, has entered into agreements to sell its parks to EPR Properties for a gross transactional value of $342 million.

A new release on Six Flags' website said, "The transaction represents a significant milestone in the Company's disciplined portfolio optimization strategy and is designed to sharpen operational focus..."

The parks included in the transaction are:

Valleyfair (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri)
Michigan's Adventure (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (Galveston, Texas)
Six Flags St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)
Six Flags Great Escape (Queensbury, New York)
Six Flags La Ronde (Montreal, Quebec)

Collectively, the parks entertained approximately 4.5 million guests for the full year ending on Dec. 31, 2025. They also generated approximately $260 million in net revenue.

Cash proceeds, after taxes and transaction expenses, will be used to pay down debt. On an after-tax basis, net proceeds are expected to be slightly beneficial to the company's leverage ratio.

"Consistent with our strategy, this divestiture enables us to concentrate our capital, leadership and operational focus on the properties that we believe generate the strongest returns and offer the greatest long-term upside," Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly said. "Since joining the Company, I have been clear that Six Flags' earnings power has been under-realized. This transaction will simplify our portfolio, strengthen our balance sheet and position us to execute with greater clarity and discipline."

Reilly continued, "By focusing our resources on the parks that we believe have the highest growth potential, we expect to drive operating leverage, expand margins and accelerate our cash flow generation."

EPR plans to partner with Enchanted Parks to run the six domestic properties and La Ronde Operations, Inc., a company owned by Kieran Burke, to operate Six Flags La Ronde following the completion of the transaction.

EPR will retain the right to utilize the Six Flags brand through the end of 2026, subject to certain requirements, and no significant impact on guests is expected during this transaction.

The parks will continue their regular opening schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 season, including multi-park pass privileges at other Six Flags parks.

"We know how much these parks mean to our guests and to the incredible teams who bring them to life every day. Decisions like this are never taken lightly," said Reilly. "We're confident the parks will be in good hands with EPR and its partners, who have strong experience operating parks of this quality and scale. At the same time, this move allows Six Flags to concentrate on the parks that we believe offer the greatest opportunities for growth and long-term success. Our goal is to continue amazing experiences for all our guests, and this agreement helps us stay focused on that commitment."