Conor McGregor net worth dwarfed by Rory McIlroy's thanks to smart investments
Few sports stars can match the fame and fortune of Rory McIlroy or Conor McGregor, arguably two of Ireland's most famous sporting exports. Both have become household names, with McIlroy dominating the golfing world as a five-time major winner, and McGregor known for his reign as a former multi-weight UFC champion. However, when it comes to their net worth, McIlroy's wealth significantly outshines McGregor's. Thanks to his staggering $104 million earnings from the PGA Tour alone, the Northern Irishman's estimated net worth is a whopping $266M. In comparison, McGregor's fortune is believed to be around $200M, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The disparity in wealth underscores McIlroy's consistent performance at the pinnacle of his sport and his savvy business ventures, compared to McGregor's more intermittent, headline-making income sources. McGregor hasn't stepped into the ring since 2021, while McIlroy continues to be a mainstay at the top of the golf circuit. The Northern Irish golfer ranks second in all-time PGA Tour earnings, trailing only behind the legendary Tiger Woods. They are the only two players to have crossed the $100M mark in prize money, reports the Irish Star. McIlroy's recent victory at the 2025 Masters not only earned him a career Grand Slam but also added another $4.2m to his earnings. McIlroy's earnings are not just limited to his golfing prowess. His three FedEx Cup wins in 2016, 2019, and 2022 came with bonuses of $10.7M, $16M, and $19.3M respectively, making him one of the highest-paid golfers globally. Off the green, McIlroy's earnings are equally impressive. His sponsorships with global brands like Nike, Omega, TaylorMade, and Workday reportedly bring in between $42.6M and $53.3M annually, often surpassing his prize money. The 35-year-old golfer has also ventured into the business world, co-founding TMRW Sports with Woods and investing in various ventures through his firm Symphony Ventures, such as health tech and ticketing platforms like Whoop and TickPick. In addition, McIlroy owns an impressive property portfolio that includes a $22M luxury mansion in Jupiter, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Erica Stoll, and their four year old daughter, Poppy. He also owns a $13.6M mansion in California, an apartment in New York City, and properties in both the UAE and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, McGregor, 36, may be financially behind but has seen some massive single-event paydays - the most notable being the whopping $100M he pocketed from his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Since his MMA debut in 2008, McGregor has become a box office sensation, pulling in substantial fight purses. The former UFC two-division champion's earnings have been impressive, with an average of around $5,153,168.20 per fight on his journey to the top. His endorsement deals, particularly with his whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve, which sold for approximately $213M in 2021, have also significantly boosted his income. His acting debut in the 2024 film Road House added another $5.9M to his wealth, setting a record for an athlete's first film role. However, McGregor's income has been more unpredictable than McIlroy's, and his lavish lifestyle - from designer suits to high-end vehicles and a Lamborghini yacht - sets him apart from the more down-to-earth golfer. The stark financial difference between the two also underscores the contrasting economic landscapes of golf and MMA. The longevity of careers in golf and its high appeal to sponsors ensure a steady flow of income - McIlroy's decision to turn down a reported offer of $320m-$533m from LIV Golf is a testament to his financial security. On the other hand, while MMA can yield massive payouts, it's an unpredictable sport. Fighters like McGregor rely on sporadic mega-events without the guarantee of regular bouts, providing further reason to suggest that an eventual UFC comeback could still be on the cards should he need an extra injection of cash. McIlroy's career is on an upward trajectory, and his financial prowess is only set to grow, solidifying his position as Ireland's wealthiest sportsman. Already this year, he has bagged over $8.7M in tournament winnings, including a victorious run at Pebble Beach in February ($3.6M) and The Players Championship in March ($4.5M). Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
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