Ari Emanuel’s Earnings at Endeavor Reach Almost $84 Million in 2023

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel received a staggering $84 million pay package last year, as disclosed in the company’s proxy filing on Thursday. This package includes his base salary, bonus, stock awards, and other compensation. President Mark Shapiro also saw a hefty sum of $38.8 million in 2023, while executive chairman Patrick Whitesell received $13.2 million in pay.

Emanuel’s pay at Endeavor is separate from his compensation at TKO Group Holdings, where he earned nearly $65 million last year. After three years as a public company, Endeavor is now set to go private, with Emanuel, Whitesell, and Shapiro set to benefit from generous deal-related bonuses.

As part of the deal, Emanuel and Shapiro will receive bonuses for asset sales, with Emanuel potentially earning $25 million and Shapiro up to $100 million if all businesses on the block are sold. Additionally, Emanuel and Whitesell will each receive a private plane from Endeavor’s fleet, with the company covering business use expenses.

Whitesell will remain as chairman of Endeavor and continue his work with WME, while Silver Lake is investing $250 million to finance a new media company. Emanuel and Whitesell will receive royalty payments from WME, with Shapiro receiving a salary increase, guaranteed bonus, and equity in the private company.

The go-private deal also includes hefty termination fees, with Endeavor facing a $288.5 million payment if a superior proposal is received, and Silver Lake obligated to pay $705 million if they breach the deal. The executives at Endeavor are set to benefit greatly from this transition to a private company.