Six Flags Sells Seven Parks to EPR Properties for About $331 Million
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced March 5, 2026, it will sell seven North American parks to EPR Properties for roughly $331 million, a move to simplify operations, reduce debt and focus capital on higher-return properties.
- Buyer and seller: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is selling to EPR Properties.
- Portfolio: Seven parks that hosted about 4.5 million guests in 2025 and generated roughly $260 million in net revenue.
- Guest impact: Season passes will be honored through the 2026 season; operators will manage day-to-day operations with minimal expected disruption.
Deal overview
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Six Flags announced a divestiture of seven regional properties to EPR Properties. The companies report slightly different headline figures: Six Flags and some media note ~$331 million in cash proceeds, while EPR’s investor release describes a gross portfolio value near $342 million and says EPR will fund about $315 million, with tenants contributing additional working capital and improvements.
“This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets,” said Gregory Silvers in EPR’s release.
Six Flags framed the move as a way 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,” per CEO John Reilly.
The parks involved
The transaction covers seven properties that operate as amusement parks, waterparks or both. The portfolio includes:
- Valleyfair — Minneapolis, Minnesota (amusement and waterpark). Source: EPR investor release.
- Worlds of Fun — Kansas City, Missouri (amusement and waterpark). Source: EPR investor release.
- Michigan’s Adventure — Muskegon/Grand Rapids area, Michigan (amusement and waterpark). Source: Fox LA.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston — Galveston, Texas (waterpark). Source: Fox LA.
- Six Flags St. Louis — Eureka, Missouri (amusement and waterpark). Source: Fox LA.
- Six Flags Great Escape — Queensbury, New York (amusement and waterpark). Source: Fox LA.
- Six Flags La Ronde — Montreal, Quebec (amusement park). Source: Fox LA.
Deal structure and finances
Six Flags says the cash proceeds will be used to pay down debt and simplify its portfolio. While Six Flags cites roughly $331 million in cash proceeds, EPR’s filing describes a gross value near $342 million and outlines a funding structure (approximately $315 million from EPR plus tenant contributions).
EPR characterized the acquisition as a strategic expansion of its attractions portfolio, underwritten with strong coverage metrics and a master lease structure that fits its experiential real estate model. Coverage and underwriting details are described in EPR’s investor materials.
Post-sale operations and guest impact
Under the agreement, EPR will own the properties while third-party operators manage day-to-day operations. Enchanted Parks (an Orlando-based LLC) is slated to operate the six U.S. parks, and La Ronde Operations, Inc. will run the Canadian park in coordination with EPR and Enchanted Parks.
Guest assurance:
Six Flags said parks will continue normal operations and that season passes sold will be honored through the 2026 operating season, with minimal expected disruption to guests.
What remains unclear
Several practical questions are unresolved in public filings and releases. Branding: EPR’s filings indicate certain brand rights through 2026, but long-term use of the “Six Flags” name and post-2026 marketing plans are not fully detailed. Staffing and contracts: there is limited public information about how staffing, vendor contracts and local agreements will be handled by the new operators.
Context for Six Flags and the wider industry
After the sale, Six Flags will still operate a substantial footprint — about 34 parks across 23 North American locations for 2026 — and the transaction is part of a broader effort to simplify the company, reduce leverage and focus on higher-return assets. Industry observers note this is a notable expansion for EPR into regional entertainment properties and aligns with EPR’s model of owning experiential real estate while contracting specialized operators. See coverage at Fox Business and EPR’s release.
How the sale unfolded
Observers flagged the deal prior to the announcement after trademark filings and registrations tied to “Enchanted Parks Holdings” surfaced, prompting speculation about potential rebranding and operator arrangements. See reporting by Theme Park Insider.
Implications for Utah
Economic and fiscal perspective: Direct impact on Utah is limited because none of the seven parks are in Utah. Still, the transaction matters to Utah families and businesses that value regional travel and tourism. A stronger balance sheet at Six Flags could lower the risk of future financial shocks across the chain and benefit parks Utah residents visit.
Jobs and business impacts: Immediate job losses were not reported; however, ownership changes can affect hiring, contractor relationships and benefits. Utah-based vendors that supply ride maintenance, foodservice or logistics to regional parks should watch for procurement shifts under Enchanted Parks and La Ronde Operations.
Policy and local government: Municipal leaders should monitor regional tax receipts tied to parks (sales, hotel and amusement taxes) and possible capital investments by EPR and operators that could alter visitor flows. This deal signals continued investor interest in experiential real estate, which may influence local development and planning.
Consumer and family planning: Utah families should note that existing season passes for these parks will be honored through the 2026 season and should verify pass details directly with park sites or through Six Flags communications. Visitors should also watch for official updates about ride inspections, staffing and guest services as operators transition.
Reporting notes and sources
This account draws on Six Flags’ and EPR Properties’ public releases and coverage from industry and business outlets. Key sources include:
