It pays to be on top, or perhaps it just pays to be the commissioner of the NFL.
Roger Goodell earned over $29.49 million in 2011 according to a copy of the league’s tax return.
During the lockout Goodell and general counsel Jeff Pash reduced their salaries to $1 until an agreement was made. Pash earned $8.8 million in compensation during the same time period.
Goodell earned $11.6 million in 2010.
“The NFL is the most successful and best-managed sports league in the world,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement obtained by The Sports Business Daily. “This is no small part due to Roger’s leadership and the value he brings to the table in every facet of the sport and business of the league. His compensation reflects that.”
NBA Commissioner David Stern and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig are thought to earn in the mid $20 million range.
