Compare PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan’s Salary to Roger Goodell’s

If the reported salaries of other major sports commissioners in the United States are accurate, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is the second-highest paid of all chief executives.

According to the PGA Tour’s 2023 tax filing, Monahan received more than $23 million in regular and deferred compensation, starting with a base salary of $1,887,096. He also earned $12.1 million in bonuses and incentives, $2.5 million in retirement benefits and $6.7 million in long-term incentives.

Sportico first reported Monahan’s salary after receiving the tax return. Salary information for the Tour’s senior executives is public record because it is a 501(c)(6) commercial organization and PGA Tour events are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Monahan’s compensation package also has the approval of the PGA Tour Policy Board. Six players are members of the board.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan plays during the Pro-Am leading up to the 2024 RSM Classic at Sea Island Resort on Nov. 20, 2024, in St Simons Island, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

In an emailed response to Sportico, a PGA Tour spokesperson said more than $9 million of Monahan’s earnings are deferred and their value could change depending on interest rates.

Monahan earned more than $18.4 million in 2022.

What do other commissioners earn?

Peacock sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung (left) interviews NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the 2024 Sao Paolo NFL Game at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The salaries of top executives in the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball are not subject to public record and the respective leagues do not disclose that information. The reported amounts may also not contain all incentive and deferral packages.

But according to published reports:

• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell earned $63.9 million annually in 2021, according to Forbes. His contract was recently extended until March 2027.
• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to fans at the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on Dec. 4, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
• Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred earns $17.5 million a year. It has been extended until 2029.
• NBA CEO Adam Silver makes about $10 million a year and has been extended through the 2029-30 season.
• LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux earned $985,494 in 2022, the most recent tax return available.

LIV Golf League commissioner Greg Norman’s salary has not been made public.

How much did the PGA Tour win in 2023?

The tax return showed $1.82 billion in revenue and $2.52 billion in sales of non-inventory assets, or a gross total of $4.33 billion.