UFC Owner's Earnings Soar in 2025

Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, is set to receive a significant pay raise in 2025 compared to his 2024 compensation.

A new filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), released in preparation for the annual shareholders' meeting, detailed Emanuel's 2025 compensation, alongside that of other key TKO Group Holdings executives. In 2024, Emanuel earned just over $18 million, a substantial drop from his 2023 total compensation of $64.9 million, which included salary, bonuses, and stock. However, Emanuel's 2025 compensation package sees him return with an impressive sum exceeding $67 million. This figure comprises a base salary of $3 million, over $11 million in bonuses, $43.8 million in stock awards, and additional payments from non-equity incentive plans and other compensation, totaling $67,361,782.

Since the formation of TKO Group Holdings through the merger of UFC and WWE, with other assets subsequently added, the company has consistently reported robust revenues year after year. 2026 is also anticipated to bring substantial profits, particularly following the UFC's seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal with Paramount, which commenced in January.

TKO Group Holdings President, Mark Shapiro, is also enjoying an increase in his total compensation. After earning $31.96 million in 2024, his 2025 package rises to $42.64 million. This includes a base salary of $4 million, $12.5 million in bonuses, $25.84 million in stock awards, and an additional $297,565 in other compensation, bringing his total to $42,644,346.

While TKO Group Holdings is a publicly traded company, the WME Group (formerly Endeavor) remains a major shareholder. WME Group transitioned from public to private ownership following a deal led by Silver Lake Financial, which concluded in 2025. As part of this transaction, Emanuel received an additional payment of $173.8 million and now serves as the Executive Chairman of WME Group.