Top TKO Executive Pay Packages Revealed

CEO of TKO Group Ari Emanuel received a notable compensation package valued for 2023.

According to Deadline, Emanuel received a compensation package valued at $64.9 million. TKO Group, which encompasses WWE and UFC, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange just last September.

Emanuel’s compensation breakdown comprised a $911k base salary, a substantial cash bonus of $24 million, and stock awards valued at $40 million.

Mark Shapiro, TKO’s chief operating officer, also saw a significant package totaling $16 million for the same year. Shapiro holds an equivalent role at Endeavor.

TKO’s proxy statement filed with the SEC highlighted key factors contributing to executive compensation, including revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA gains, cost reduction efforts, successful UFC and WWE live events, and pivotal media rights deals, such as a long-term agreement with Netflix for WWE content.

TKO emerged from the merger of Endeavor-owned UFC and Vince McMahon’s WWE, with Endeavor initially holding a 51% stake. McMahon, who played a pivotal role in WWE’s global success, served as chairman of the TKO board until early this year when he stepped down amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. McMahon subsequently sold a portion of his TKO stock in April.

TKO retains ownership of Endeavor’s prized live sports assets, particularly UFC, and remains publicly traded as Endeavor transitions into a private entity. The private transaction, led by Silver Lake, valued Endeavor at $13 billion. As part of this transition, Emanuel is set to receive one of Endeavor’s private planes. Asset sales across Endeavor’s divisions are being considered, excluding TKO Group.

What are your thoughts on the compensation packages of TKO Group’s executives, Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro? Do you think these packages are justified given the performance and impact of TKO’s properties like WWE and UFC? Share your opinions in the comments below!