Ari Emanuel’s 2025 Pay Reaches $67 Million, While COO Mark Shapiro Earns $43 Million
Ari Emanuel, executive chair and CEO of TKO Group, which oversees UFC and WWE, reported a significant increase in his 2025 compensation, totaling $67.4 million—an increase from $18.1 million the previous year, attributed largely to a large stock grant.
The details are outlined in the company’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on Wednesday. Emanuel’s reported income includes a salary of $3 million, a cash bonus of approximately $11.9 million, stock awards valued at $43.9 million, and $8.1 million from non-equity incentive plan compensation. Additionally, he received $365,000 for personal use of an aircraft provided by the company.
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO, also saw a rise in his total compensation to $42.6 million from $31.9 million. His package comprises a base salary of $4 million, a cash bonus of $12.5 million, and stock awards worth $25.8 million.
CFO Andrew Schleimer reported a compensation package of $23.1 million, which includes a $2 million base salary, a $7 million bonus, and stock awards valued at $14.1 million, marking an increase from $7.7 million in 2024.
The proxy statement highlighted TKO’s rising revenue and robust momentum, noting crucial rights agreements inked last year with networks like Paramount and ESPN. This document discloses the annual pay of the company’s top five executives in a compensation table.
Additionally, the filing addressed director compensation. Nick Khan, president of WWE and a TKO board member, received a total of $24.28 million for his executive role, which includes a $2 million base salary, stock awards valued at $11.5 million, and bonus payments of $10.75 million.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a prominent figure in entertainment and former professional wrestler, serves as a director and received a substantial $30 million in restricted stock units, fully vested and exercisable. He also earned $900,000 in royalties from a licensing deal with TKO, along with $600,000 in reimbursed travel expenses related to that agreement.
