The PGA Tour has been in the headlines for its historic merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, creating a new global golf entity that promises to revolutionize the sport. But while the deal, which is yet to be finalized, is being hailed as a win-win for the sport, there is one person who possibly stands to gain the most from it: PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

From the shift in his 2021 PGAT income to his 2022 Tour income, one could only assume the kind of monetary benefits he could earn this year (that will come to light in 2024). At the same time, if the merger fails to go through Monahan could end up in a difficult spot and may not enjoy the luxury he did before.

The eye-watering benefits for Jay Monahan if the LIV-PGA merger goes through

According to a report by Golfwееk, in 2022, Jay Monahan earned a reported compensation of $18.6 million, an increase from his 2021 earnings of $13.9 million. This compensation package includes various components. Notably, Monahan’s base salary was $1.8 million in 2022. On top of that, he received bonuses and incentives totaling $9.2 million. It seems the tour pays him incentives when he brings in new investors. According to the Tour, Monahan will receive an actuarial estimate of $7.4 million for non-cash benefits when he retires.

Keeping this in mind, it could be said that Monahan stands to gain hefty monetary benefits from the merger. The PGAT Commissioner is likely to receive substantial incentives and bonuses along with his 2023 remuneration for bringing in such a lucrative and influential partner. PIF has an estimated $776 billion in assets, is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, and is a key driver of Saudi Vision 2030.

Apart from that, the PGA Tour’s revenue increased from $1.59 billion in 2021 to $1.9 billion in 2022 due to its new TV deals. However, the increase in revenue is not that substantial, but that could change in the coming year. If the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger is completed, it would end the ever-lasting PGA Tour-LIV Golf feud and create a more attractive and profitable business opportunity for the golf industry. Increased revenue would also result in higher monetary benefits for everyone on the tour, including the players and the commissioner.

As already seen LIV has paid the golfers who signed up to it quite handsomely. Phil Mickelson reportedly received a signing fee of  $200 million from LIV Golf. Others like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka have been reported to have received around $125 million and $100 million respectively. Thus, if the merger is finalized, Monahan may also end up receiving a significant payday.

Despite the lucrative earning potential, things can go downhill as well for the commissioner in case the merger stretches or if the involved parties fail to reach a consensus.

Legal expenses surge amid the LIV Golf and PIF battles as merger date draws near

In 2022, the PGA Tour reported a substantial increase in its legal expenses as compared to the previous year. The legal expenses increased from $2 million in 2021 to a staggering $20 million in 2022. This substantial issue is primarily associated with the legal battle initiated in August 2022 involving LIV Golf and the PIF. The reported figure of $20.7 million for legal expenses in 2022 surpasses the cumulative legal expenses incurred over the past 14 years.

Also Read: “I Called Jay Monahan Personally”: Bryson DeChambeau Spills the Beans Behind His $125 Million Decision

If the merger between the PGA Tour and PIF fails to come through, the tour’s legal expenses could take an even more ugly turn. It could also happen that the tour officials may hold the commissioner responsible for part of those expenses. The self-imposed New Year’s Eve deadline for the merger is drawing ever so close. A meeting about the merger is allegedly set for the day itself. Monahan, himself described the date as a “firm target” for the merger to happen. 

What do you think of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf-DP World Tour merger? Do you think it will come through and Jay Monahan will end up benefitting from it? Let us know in the comments below!

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