5 days Ago By [email protected] (Derek Foley)
Rory McIlroy will become Ireland's wealthiest ever sports star following his US Masters triumph. The 35-year-old - whose win in Augusta completed a Grand Slam of all four Major titles - will see his earnings rocket past controversial MMA fighter Conor McGregor . The golfer came from humble beginnings in Holywood, Co Down , with his parents Rosie and Gerry working extra jobs to support his career.
Now, he is on the cusp of becoming Ireland's first $1 billion athlete. Right now though, his personal brand and sponsorship deals/potential currently stand somewhere in the region of €578 million. While game/sponsorship earnings are being bracketed with iconic figures such as Roger Federer and LeBron James, his profile sees him now in the same space as David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in terms of global visibility.
Domestically, McIlroy sits at the head of the Irish sports rich list, which also comprises of McGregor, Eddie Irvine, Robbie Keane, Roy Keane, Padraig Harrington, Damien Duff, AP McCoy and Shane Lowry. After his Masters win, first he has to deal with the US taxman. That will take a significant bite of the €3.
6 million Masters prize money earned at the weekend, with the golfer keeping around €1.75 million of the prize. Professor Rob Wilson of Applied Sport Finance at Sheffield Hallam University said: "If current trends continue, McIlroy is almost certain to become the wealthiest Northern Irish sportsperson in history.
"With projected career earnings approaching €614 million, across all income streams, he could surpass other high earners such as McGregor, who despite large individual paydays, lacks McIlroy's brand stability and career longevity. "The golf ecosystem is also more conducive to sustained revenue generation over decades. Rory is building an intergenerational financial legacy - a bit like Tiger Woods.
" Sunday night's win saw McIlroy also achieve a career Grand Slam, joining an elite band of golfers such as Woods and Jack Nicklaus. He has now won golf 's four biggest tournaments, collectively known as 'Majors' - The Masters, the USPGA, the US Open and The Open. The professor added: "Achieving the Grand Slam elevates him into an ultra-exclusive echelon, both historically and commercially.
"His personal brand valuation is likely placed at €578 million, factoring in endorsement renewal potential, equity stakes and media rights. "It also opens the door to expanded commercial partnerships in North America and Asia. The brand's value will now grow independently of his performance.
"While federal and state taxes in the US could see McIlroy lose around 45-50 per cent of his winnings, the symbolic and commercial value of winning The Masters far outweighs the immediate net income loss. "Even after tax, a first-place prize of around €3.1 million would still leave McIlroy with approximately €1.
75 million in take-home earnings. "The long-term commercial upside from sponsors, branding and new markets is far more valuable than the prize cheque itself, although, given his sizeable earnings already, the Green Jacket will be the biggest prize. "The golfing and wider sporting world is wide open for the Irish star, who turns 36 on May 4.
If McIlroy continues playing competitively into his mid-to-late 40s, his on-course earnings should exceed €176 million, assuming a continued uptick in prize purses." Professor Wilson, who was speaking on the OLBG bookmaker/betting site, added: "Off the course, however, endorsement and equity deals could push his total career earnings toward the €700 million range. Who knows, if he can maintain a level of winning performance, we could be talking about a $1 billion dollar athlete.
This would put him in the same bracket as elite global athletes such as Roger Federer or LeBron James. "Much depends on longevity and brand stewardship in the post-competitive phase. Jack Nicklaus has reportedly earned €350 million from non-playing ventures and McIlroy is well positioned to follow that blueprint.
"His name now carries an architectural cachet, and the globalisation of golf offers vast opportunities." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here..
