Ari Emanuel, the CEO of both TKO Group and the soon-to-be-private Endeavor, saw his pay package reach an impressive $64.9 million in 2023 for his leadership of TKO Group. This substantial compensation package comprised a base salary of $911k, a cash bonus of $24 million, and stock awards valued at $40 million. According to TKO’s proxy statement filed with the SEC, Mark Shapiro, the chief operating officer of TKO and Endeavor, received a total package of $16 million for last year. TKO Group was formed through a merger between Endeavor’s UFC, a renowned mixed martial arts organization, and Vince McMahon’s WWE, a professional wrestling powerhouse. Endeavor initially held a 51% stake in the newly formed company, with WWE shareholders led by McMahon holding the remaining 49%. In November, McMahon sold about one-third of his stake. As the former chairman of the TKO board, McMahon played a key role in building WWE into a lucrative global business and cultural force over four decades. However, he abruptly exited the company earlier this year amidst accusations of sex trafficking and sexual assault in a graphic lawsuit filed by a former employee. McMahon subsequently sold another portion of his TKO stock to Endeavor in April. TKO Group now houses Endeavor’s most valuable live sports assets, including UFC. While TKO remains a public company, its parent company, Endeavor, is currently in the process of going private.
Ari Emanuel’s Pay Package at TKO Group Valued at $64.9 Million in 2023
