Six Flags to Sell Off 7 Amusement Parks

**Six Flags Sells Off Seven Theme Parks Following Financial Struggles**

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced the sale of seven of its iconic amusement parks as it seeks to refocus its resources amidst ongoing financial challenges. The announcement, made on March 5, 2026, detailed the decision to part ways with several notable locations, including Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Texas, and Six Flags Great Escape in New York. The acquisition will be made by EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust based in Kansas City, Missouri.

The sale marks a significant shift for Six Flags, which has been grappling with financial instability and leadership changes since its merger with Cedar Fair in 2024 for a staggering $8 billion. Following this merger, Six Flags, recognised as the largest regional theme park operator worldwide, has encountered a series of operational hurdles that have prompted the current restructuring.

EPR Properties, the new owner of the listed parks, already manages an expansive portfolio that includes cinemas, ski resorts, and amusement facilities. As part of the new arrangement, EPR will collaborate with various operators, specifically La Ronde Operations, Inc. for the Canadian location and Enchanted Parks for the five US parks. Six Flags has reassured patrons that all amenities, season passes, and active memberships will remain valid during the transition, with no significant impact expected on visitor experiences throughout the 2026 season.

John Reilly, CEO of Six Flags, expressed optimism regarding the strategic shift in focus. He stated that by honing in on parks that demonstrate the highest growth potential, the company aims to enhance its operating efficiency, improve profit margins, and boost cash flow generation.

This strategic sell-off comes on the heels of the closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, which ceased operations in November 2025 after 50 years of service. Initially launched as a drive-through safari in 1974, the park opened as a Six Flags property only in 1999, and it had since grown to feature over 100 rides and attractions, including roller coasters and shows.

In light of its recent financials, Six Flags hinted at the need to review its portfolio further, with a focus on underperforming locations. Just weeks following the closure of the Bowie park, the company admitted that their attempts to stimulate demand had not yielded the expected results, leading to a reassessment of their advertising strategies and park performance.

The merger with Cedar Fair was intended to fortify Six Flags’s market position; however, ongoing operational difficulties have suggested the need for a reevaluation of priorities. Previous CEO Richard Zimmerman acknowledged that many of the parks were underperforming, which prompted discussions about potential closures and sales. He stressed the necessity of investing in growth in attendance to enhance guest satisfaction across the board.

As operations continue at the seven parks slated for sale, the announcement has sparked discussions on the long-term viability of theme parks in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape. Details emerging from trademark filings in January 2025 indicated that the parks involved were being positioned for a brand recalibration, which aligns with the current shift towards more focused management.

In addition to the recent sales, Six Flags recently inaugurated its first international theme park in December, featuring exciting attractions like the world’s fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster. The new venture in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, indicates the company’s ambition to explore new markets even as it navigates challenges at home.

With the forthcoming changes, Six Flags aims to streamline its operations, retaining its status as a leading entertainment provider while also adapting to the ever-evolving demands of consumers. The overall results of these strategic decisions will become clearer with time, but for now, the company is determined to reshape its future with a renewed focus on core assets.