Pat Flynn
@PatFlynn United States171K followers
Founder of Smart Passive Income, author of Will It Fly? and Superfans, Pokémon YouTuber
Smart Passive Income, SwitchPod, Deep Pocket Monster
exit story · 2026 · educators & course creators
How Pat Flynn Sold Smart Passive Income to Liz Wilcox (2026)
Smart Passive Income was built by Pat Flynn and sold to Liz Wilcox in 2026.
Key facts
- Buyer
- Liz Wilcox
- Year
- 2026
- Price
- Undisclosed
- Revenue at sale
- —
- Years operated
- 18 years
- Channel
- Direct sale
Why they sold: Pat felt pulled in two directions as his Pokémon media, storytelling and family-focused projects became a new calling. He wanted a buyer who understood the brand and could give its audience the attention it deserved.
The story of Smart Passive Income
Smart Passive Income began in 2008 as Pat Flynn's blog documenting his online business experiments after he was laid off from architecture, and it became known for publishing detailed monthly income reports. It grew into a podcast with over 80 million downloads, courses, a membership community and newsletters.
In a deal that closed on April 1, 2026 and was announced in September 2026, Pat and his longtime business partner Matt Gartland sold 100% of SPI Media and SPI Labs to Liz Wilcox, an email marketing educator. Liz had first joined the company as Director of Community, which allowed a gradual handover, and she became owner and CEO. The price was not disclosed.
Pat stepped back from daily operations but remains an adviser and appears on the podcast monthly, while Matt fully exited. The SPI name, community and programs are expected to stay largely intact, and Pat is focusing on Pokémon and family media, storytelling and filmmaking.
The maker
See the Smart Passive Income product page or Pat Flynn's full profile for everything they have built since.
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Sources
Facts are taken from the maker's and buyer's public statements and press coverage. Prices and revenue are shown only when publicly stated; self-reported figures are not independently verified.
Keep exploring
Smart Passive Income acquisition FAQ
Who bought Smart Passive Income?
Smart Passive Income was acquired by Liz Wilcox in 2026 from Pat Flynn.
How much did Smart Passive Income sell for?
The price was not publicly disclosed.
Why did Pat Flynn sell Smart Passive Income?
Pat felt pulled in two directions as his Pokémon media, storytelling and family-focused projects became a new calling. He wanted a buyer who understood the brand and could give its audience the attention it deserved.
How long did it take Smart Passive Income to get acquired?
Smart Passive Income was sold about 18 years after launch, through a direct sale (sold directly to a buyer, often a competitor, customer or acquirer that reached out).