It was recently announced by the Sports Business Journal that Gary Bettman made $9.6 million during the 2013-14 season. That total is $800,000 more than what he made in the lockout shortened season. Comparatively to other commissioners around sports world, Bettman pales in comparison. Roger Goodell made $44 million in 2012 and Bud Selig made a reported $14.5 million back in 2006.
While the number is smaller compared to other commissioners, compared to the top players it is a depressing schism.
https://twitter.com/generalfanager/status/666285796312371200
While the players named who are making more are some of the best in the league, it isn’t a good look for Bettman, who arguably has been the main focal point of two lockouts within the past 15 years. It isn’t just Bettman either. Bill Daly, who is deputy commissioner of the NHL, makes in excess of $3 million a year.
While the merits of such payment can be debated until no end, I wanted to compare the revenue the league makes in relation to some large companies and compare the CEO’s pay. The NHL, which has reported revenue around $3.4 billion, is comparable to companies like Bose, New Balance and Hallmark Cards. Funny enough, these companies CEO’s have no available income statements readily available.
While they aren’t available it brings up another interesting point for Bettman and other commissioners. What is the cost of being a figurehead of a billion dollar organization that is constantly in the eye of the general public? Do you know who Jim McEnery is? The CEO of New Balance? Of course not, that isn’t even the CEO’s name. It’s Robert DeMartini. So when evaluating the job of a commissioner, we also need to take into account what they do beyond the boardroom but also what they do in front of the constant barrage of media scrutiny.
That thick skin may not be worth millions of dollars, but someone needs to have the job and work it competently. Bettman, while a polarizing figure, has still brought the NHL to the modern age and the league is better for it. Who knows how we will remember his legacy but a pile of cash may be enough to soften the potential blow.
