• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Roger Goodell’s Extension Still Not Finalized

  • Goodell, the highest-paid commissioner in U.S. sports, has served as commissioner since taking over Paul Tagliabue in 2006. 
  • The New York Times reported his total annual compensation was nearly $64 million in 2020-21.
Roger-Goodell-NFL
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

EAGEN, Minn. —  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s extension wasn’t fully wrapped up before the league’s spring owners’ meeting wrapped up on Tuesday. 

But Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said that Goodell’s fourth extension — a three-year deal that will keep Goodell on the job through March 2027 — was close. How close? Irsay and other owners are looking toward the next commissioner, including possibly splitting the duties into two roles in the post-Goodell era. 

“Basically, I think it’s just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s,” Irsay said. “I think we still have to rubber stamp it, so to speak. So, it’s virtually done.”

Goodell’s extension remains with the NFL compensation committee, and won’t come up for a vote until the next time the owners meet. 

“I’ve been focused on other matters,” Goodell said. “It hasn’t been a point of focus for me. I have a year left. I told you before, I love the job. I have no doubt. We’ll reach that point at some point.”

While Goodell’s salary hasn’t been public since 2015, when the NFL gave up its tax-exempt status, The New York Times reported his total annual compensation was nearly $64 million in 2020-21.

With the NFL’s broadcast and streaming deals running for about another decade and the current collective bargaining agreement going through 2030, one priority for Goodell’s potential final term is developing his replacement. 

“He’s gonna be involved and have options to stay on as a consultant and also help us develop his list of who he thinks are the best people [to take over as commissioner],” Irsay said. “He will be with us through it.”

One NFL owner who spoke to FOS on condition of anonymity said there will likely be pressure applied on Goodell to identify and groom candidates for the job. The owner expects the next commissioner to come from within the NFL, as many owners are hesitant about bringing in from somebody outside the league. 

Irsay said there will be discussion in the coming years about splitting up the commissioner job into two roles: CEO and commissioner.

“When I retire, it’ll be the third transition that I’ve been through,” said Goodell, who has worked for the NFL since 1982. “That discussion has come up every single time, and I have no doubt it’ll come up again. 

“It’s a healthy discussion to have. The job changes over the years. It’s changed even while I’ve been [the commissioner]. I know that we will have those discussions at the appropriate time.”

But could Goodell, 64, stick around as commissioner beyond 2027?

“You guys have seen some comebacks from Ali and Brady and different people,” Irsay said. “Roger’s in great shape, and he loves what he does. …There’s just a lot of pressure and a lot of hard work for him, a lot of responsibilities. He may want to do some other things.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.
Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium.

30 of 32 NFL Second-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned

Some rookie training camps start in under two weeks.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
July 1, 2025

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 1, 2025

NBA Salary Cap Up 7% in 2026–27, but Teams Expected More

The 2026–27 salary cap is projected at $165 million.
July 1, 2025

Bobby Bonilla On Annual $1.2M Payday: ‘It Doesn’t Suck’

The former MLB star receives another $1.19 million from the Mets today.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, speaks to the media during Cactus League media day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.
June 30, 2025

Manfred, MLB Owners Pitch Directly to Players Ahead of CBA Expiration

Owners see a disconnect between union leadership and individual players.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.
June 30, 2025

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.