In the wake of the merger between UFC and WWE, the newly formed TKO Group Holdings has revealed the compensation packages for its top executives. These packages provide insight into the significant financial rewards enjoyed by executives at the helm of the combined entity.
CEO Ari Emanuel received a package valued at nearly $65 million, including a prorated salary of $911,538, a $24 million bonus, and $40,0094 in stock awards. Notably, $20 million of Emanuel’s bonus was a transaction bonus from UFC, which was not tied to specific performance metrics.
Other executives also received substantial compensation packages. TKO President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro earned more than $16 million, including a $9 million bonus and over $6 million in stock awards. Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schleimer received more than $8.7 million, consisting of a $5 million bonus and over $3.1 million in stock awards. WWE President and TKO board member Nick Khan took home more than $32 million, including a $15 million bonus and over $12 million in stock awards.
The merger, which created TKO Group Holdings, was valued at more than $21 billion. In 2023, UFC reported record revenue of $1.3 billion, driven by media rights revenue and increased sponsorship and live event earnings. The company had 20 sold-out events, seven of which were among the 20 highest-grossing UFC events ever.
As a publicly traded company, TKO Group Holdings is required to disclose executive compensation packages through filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company’s majority owner is Endeavor, a talent agency that also operates other businesses such as On Location and Professional Bull Riders. Endeavor recently reacquired the remaining shares of its own stock, making it a private company. However, TKO Group Holdings remains publicly traded, and its executive compensation packages are subject to public disclosure.
Looking ahead, TKO Group Holdings is positioned for another successful year in 2024. WWE has secured a five-year, $10 billion contract with Netflix for its flagship program, Monday Night Raw, starting in 2025. UFC is also expected to negotiate a new television rights deal, with its current contract with ESPN expiring in 2025. These developments suggest that TKO Group Holdings is well-positioned for continued growth and profitability.
