Saturday, October 31, 2026

Tax Returns Reveal Mark Emmert, Coach K Paydays and NCAA Legal Fees

  • The NCAA reported $2.99 million in compensation for President Mark Emmert during the fiscal year ending in 2021.
  • It also reported more than $52 million in legal fees.
NCAA
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

During the fiscal year ending in 2021, the NCAA spent millions of dollars on two less-than-successful investments: its legal efforts and its president, Mark Emmert.

The governing body paid Emmert a total of $2.99 million in 2020, according to new tax filings provided to Front Office Sports. That’s up 3% from the previous year.

  • The widely criticized Emmert will step down by the end of June 2023.
  • The NCAA paid almost $52.5 million in legal fees, less than the $68 million it reported in 2019-20.
  • Of course, $52.5 million is still a hefty price tag in the year that it lost the Supreme Court case NCAA v. Alston 9-0. The opinion found the NCAA is subject to antitrust scrutiny.

The NCAA spent $470,000 in lobbying as its interim NIL policy went into effect without a federal NIL law — something officials hoped to pass. The number is, however, about $30,000 less than the previous year. 

The filings also showed total revenues of $1.1 billion and media rights revenues of $915.8 million — similar to those reported in its previously released financial statements.

Coach K’s Paycheck

Emmert wasn’t the only college sports official whose salary was revealed in 2020-21 tax returns.

Duke University’s forms, which Front Office Sports obtained, revealed that former men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski earned about $12.5 million, with total compensation topping $13.7 million.

USA Today first reported the findings for Coach K and the NCAA.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Outgoing Big 12 Commish: Multiple CFP Bids ‘Deserved’ As First Rankings Loom

The Big 12 is the only Power conference without a multi-bid season.

Florida-Georgia Rivalry Takes $18M Detour Through Atlanta

Tickets, which were split equally between fan bases, are sold out.
Online allegations that a Somali immigrant-run nonprofit registered 40 day care providers on the same day are unfounded, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said during a news conference Jan. 5, 2025.

Ohio Supreme Court Allows Players Fifth Year of Eligibility

The NCAA denounced the decision and vowed to continue fighting in court.

Brett Yormark to Step Down As Big 12 Commissioner

Yormark stabilized the conference through realignment and secured major deals.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 14, 2026; Birmingham, AL, USA; SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.
Exclusive
October 29, 2026

GOP Staffer Urged SEC to Support College Sports Bill Before Midterms

If the Democrats win the House, “you won’t see this bill… being considered.”
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti watches during the first round American Conference Tournament game between Memphis and Tulane in Birmingham, Ala, on March 11, 2026.
October 29, 2026

Why Private Equity Is Still Hesitant to Invest in College Sports

There’s “plenty of money for the taking,” says Tim Pernetti.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 29, 2026

How Wisconsin’s $14.6M Boost Helped Fuel Badgers’ Resurgence

State debt relief helped Wisconsin free up millions for athletics spending.
October 24, 2026

CFB Coach Firings: NC State, Maryland, Baylor Owe More Than $30M

More costly coaching changes could follow as pressure mounts across college football.
October 23, 2026

Utah Is College Football’s PE Guinea Pig—and Its’ Cashing In

No. 10 Utah hosts No. 14 Houston on Saturday night.
October 23, 2026

Bowl Games Face Uncertain Future With a 24-Team CFP

College football bowl game viewership rose 13% year over year in 2025.