Onlyfans On The Market? Owner Eyes $8 Billion Deal For Spicy Platform

Is OnlyFans Changing Hands? A Multi-Billion Dollar Tease

Well, darlings, the rumor mill is buzzing with some steamy news! Leonid Radvinsky, the mastermind behind OnlyFans, is reportedly flirting with a deal to sell the popular content platform at a valuation that’ll make your heart race - a cool $8 billion. Variety has confirmed that discussions are underway with an investor group led by Forest Road Co., a Los Angeles-based firm with a keen eye for media and entertainment ventures.

Now, don’t get too excited just yet - these talks aren’t exclusive, and there’s no set timeline for sealing the deal, according to a source close to the situation. But with a platform as sizzling as OnlyFans, which has become a go-to for creators of all kinds (yes, including the spicier variety), it’s no surprise that big players are lining up to take a peek.

This isn’t the first time Radvinsky has explored major moves for OnlyFans, and with Forest Road in the mix, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will this deal heat up, or will it fizzle out? Stick with us for the latest!

Past Flirtations and Financial Fireworks

Let’s rewind a bit - earlier reports from the New York Post suggested Radvinsky was shopping OnlyFans for a much lower price tag, between $1.46 billion and $2.42 billion. Apparently, finding a buyer was trickier than expected due to the platform’s heavy focus on adult content. But with this new $8 billion valuation, it seems the tides might be turning for this provocative powerhouse.

Forest Road isn’t new to the OnlyFans scene either. Their execs were part of a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) eyeing an initial public offering for OnlyFans back in 2022. However, a source told Variety that going public isn’t on the table right now - so for the moment, it’s all about this tantalizing sale.

“OnlyFans isn’t just a platform; it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s empowered creators in ways no one saw coming,” a source close to the company shared with us.

OnlyFans by the Numbers: A Seductive Success Story

Since its launch in 2016, OnlyFans has grown into a safe haven for creators, especially those in the adult entertainment space. Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur who also founded the cam site MyFreeCams, snapped up OnlyFans in 2018 from original founder Tim Stokely. Today, the platform boasts a staggering 4.12 million creators and over 300 million registered users as of the end of fiscal 2023.

The financials are just as eye-popping. Gross revenue for the year ending November 30, 2023, hit $6.63 billion - a 19% jump from the previous year. Creators pocketed a whopping $5.32 billion in payouts, while net revenue climbed 20% to $1.31 billion, with pre-tax profits soaring 25% to $658 million. Talk about a lucrative love affair!

Radvinsky, the sole shareholder of Fenix International (OnlyFans’ London-based parent company), has also cashed in big time, raking in over $1 billion in dividends between 2021 and 2023. Clearly, this platform isn’t just hot - it’s a goldmine.

More Than Just Spicy Content?

A Star-Studded Lineup

OnlyFans isn’t just about the risqué - it’s also home to some major celebs who’ve joined the party. Think Cardi B, Bella Thorne, Iggy Azalea, Bhad Bhabie, and Mia Khalifa, all of whom have made waves on the platform. Their presence has helped OnlyFans broaden its appeal beyond just adult content.

In fact, the company has been working hard to attract non-adult creators too. In 2021, they rolled out OFTV, a safe-for-work streaming service featuring original content, proving there’s more to this platform than meets the eye.

Safety First, Darling

One thing OnlyFans prides itself on is safety. The platform insists it’s one of the most secure adult-oriented sites out there, thanks to a rigorous ID verification process for creators. Plus, content isn’t just out there for anyone to see - users have to pay a subscription fee or opt-in to view accounts, keeping things exclusive and controlled.

Creators also get a sweet deal, earning 80% of all payments made on the platform. It’s no wonder so many are flocking to OnlyFans to share their talents - and cash in on the action.

A Rocky Romance with Controversy

Of course, no steamy story is complete without a little drama. Back in 2021, OnlyFans stirred up a storm when it announced plans to ban pornography, citing pressure from banking partners. Creators were up in arms, and the backlash was fierce.

Just a week later, the company did a quick 180, scrapping the ban after securing the necessary assurances to support their diverse creator community. Phew - crisis averted, but it was a reminder of the tightrope OnlyFans walks in this industry.

Who’s Behind the Potential Deal?

Let’s talk about the suitor in this potential $8 billion romance - Forest Road Co. This L.A.-based investment firm isn’t just dabbling in media; they’ve got a portfolio that spans industries. Last year, they acquired ACF Investment Bank, which has brokered deals for small and midsize production companies for over a decade.

ACF’s 2024 highlights include advising on Toho Co.’s purchase of GKids, North Road’s acquisition of Two One Five Entertainment, and Forest Road’s own investment in Range Media Partners. With credentials like these, they’re no stranger to making big moves - could OnlyFans be their next conquest?

Only time will tell if this deal heats up or cools off, but one thing’s for sure - we’ll be watching every sultry step. Stay tuned, loves!