Lee Priest offered his take on one of bodybuilding’s biggest shake-ups. Priest explains the sale of the Mr. Olympia brand to Jake Wood in 2020 still sparks debate.

Moreover, Priest argues the decision was less about financial gain and more about who could be influenced. He believes some potential buyers were “too powerful” for the IFBB hierarchy to handle.

Finally, his perspective provides insight into the politics behind the sport’s most iconic competition. Fans and athletes continue to weigh what might have been.

 

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Lee Priest Explains Why Mr. Olympia Was Sold to Jake Wood

Before the sale, big names like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David were reportedly interested in acquiring the Olympia brand.

However, the IFBB ultimately sold it to Jake Wood, a longtime supporter of bodybuilding and owner of the Rising Phoenix Championship.

Still, Priest speculates that a sale to someone like The Rock or Bet-David would have shifted authority away from established officials, threatening the old guard’s influence.

“Of course, Dan wouldn’t sell it to The Rock or Patrick Bet-David because they would do such a good job and kick Dan out. Those guys… it’s like the IFBB, the Manions, and NPC would have no control because it would actually be legit and actually start going places.”

Meanwhile, Priest emphasizes that the sale was about control, not cash. He claims that the IFBB leadership wanted someone they could guide.

Furthermore, he says that other buyers would have challenged existing power structures, forcing officials to relinquish authority over athletes and event operations.

Consequently, Wood was seen as a safer option — a buyer who could respect the system without disrupting it.

“Even telling Patrick Bet-David it’s not for sale and then three months later selling it to Jake Wood. It’s like come on. They can control Jake Wood, but these other two, they wouldn’t have been able to control.”

 

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A Broader Vision Left on the Table?

Still, Priest wonders how the sport could have grown under different ownership. He believes more exposure, freedom for athletes, and mainstream partnerships were possible.

Moreover, he questioned restrictive rules, like limitations on guest-posing at other events, arguing they stifled opportunities for both athletes and the sport’s popularity.

Furthermore, Priest envisions a version of bodybuilding where athletes could build global platforms, potentially attracting new audiences and sponsors.

“I never got [the problem with guest posing at other events] because you’re an IFBB athlete… If you can go to another event and guest pose… there’s people there that are going to see you.”

Above all, Priest’s comments reflect his deep investment in bodybuilding’s culture. He has decades of experience as a competitor and commentator.

Furthermore, he highlights ongoing debates about athlete autonomy, commercialization, and the sport’s long-term growth.

Ultimately, his perspective reminds fans that the decisions behind the scenes shape what bodybuilding looks like today — and what it could become tomorrow.

Watch the full Video Lee Priest on IFBB AMA Youtube Channel Below:

Overview

Lee Priest explained why, in his view, the Mr. Olympia brand sold to Jake Wood instead of The Rock or Patrick Bet-David. 🇺🇸 He claims the decision was about control over athletes and the brand, not money. 🏅 Priest also highlighted opportunities lost for athlete freedom, mainstream exposure, and sport growth — offering a rare insider look at the politics behind bodybuilding’s most iconic title.

Featured Image – Lee Priest Explains Why Mr. Olympia Was Sold to Jake Wood Instead of The Rock or Patrick Bet-David –  Credit:@mrolympiallc, @leepriestofficial72 (Instagram)