Chris Rooney’s Net Worth: A Look at the Earnings of an NHL Referee
If you’ve ever watched an intense NHL game and noticed the officials skating with precision and authority, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Chris Rooney in action. With over two decades of experience in the league, Rooney is one of the most respected referees in professional hockey. But beyond the black-and-white striped uniform, many fans are curious—what exactly is Chris Rooney’s net worth? That question becomes even more interesting when you see that some sources estimate his fortune to be nearly $60 million, while others suggest a much more conservative figure. So, which is it?
In this article, we’ll break down Chris Rooney’s net worth, where it comes from, and what those eye-popping numbers really mean.
Who Is Chris Rooney?
Chris Rooney is a veteran NHL referee who has been officiating in the league since 2000. Born in 1975 and hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, he began his professional refereeing career after working his way up through minor leagues and junior hockey. Over the years, he’s become known for his consistent calls, calm demeanor, and ability to manage high-stakes games.
Rooney’s reputation isn’t just built on longevity—he’s been trusted with some of the league’s most important assignments. He’s officiated multiple Stanley Cup Finals, the 2010 Winter Classic, and other key playoff games. These assignments are not only a badge of honor but also a boost to his earnings.
Interestingly, when searching for “Chris Rooney” online, you might also come across another public figure with the same name—Chris “Uncle Chris” Rooney, a TikTok influencer known for videos featuring his niece, often tagged as the “Yeet Baby.” While that Chris Rooney has built a massive following, our focus here is on the NHL referee whose career and financial story are grounded in the world of professional sports.
Chris Rooney’s Estimated Net Worth
So, what is Chris Rooney’s net worth? Depending on the source, the answer can vary dramatically. People AI, a celebrity and public figure data aggregator, places his net worth at an astonishing $59.7 million as of early 2025. Other outlets like Celebrity Birthdays and Sportskeeda offer more modest estimates, typically in the $1 million to $5 million range.
The $60 million figure has raised eyebrows for good reason. For comparison, most professional NHL referees—even the highest paid—don’t come close to that kind of wealth unless they’ve had substantial off-ice investments or secondary careers. While it’s not impossible for someone in Rooney’s position to reach multi-millionaire status over time, a $60 million net worth likely includes speculative calculations or is pulled from incomplete or algorithmically generated profiles that lack verification.
The more realistic assessment, supported by industry standards and salary data, places Chris Rooney’s net worth somewhere between $1 million and $5 million. This estimate aligns with his long career, consistent income, and potential earnings from playoff bonuses, retirement contributions, and smart financial planning.
How He Built That Wealth
Referee Salary and Game Assignments
Unlike athletes whose contracts are public and sometimes exorbitant, referees earn much less—but still respectable—salaries. According to league-reported figures and insider estimates, NHL referees earn anywhere from $165,000 to $400,000 per year depending on their experience and tenure.
As a senior-level official with over two decades in the league, Chris Rooney is almost certainly on the higher end of that scale. His long-standing role, trust from league officials, and repeated assignments to playoff games suggest that he is considered top-tier in the officiating community. Earning $300,000 or more per season is likely a realistic figure for Rooney.
Over the course of more than 20 seasons, this steady income would translate into several million dollars in gross earnings. Assuming a conservative average of $250,000 per year over two decades, that alone puts him at $5 million in career earnings before taxes and expenses.
Bonuses, Playoff Work, and Milestone Games
NHL referees receive bonuses and higher pay for working in playoff games, particularly the Stanley Cup Finals. These games come with added responsibility and visibility, and the league selects only its most trusted officials for them.
Chris Rooney has officiated in the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times—in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, and more. Each of these assignments would have brought in additional income above his base salary, as well as significant professional credibility. Winter Classics, All-Star Games, and other NHL showcase events also come with perks and sometimes higher compensation.
When you factor in postseason bonuses and special events over two decades, it’s easy to see how Rooney’s total earnings from the league would rise beyond just his base salary.
Long-Term Investments and Savings
While public information about Chris Rooney’s investments is limited, it’s likely that someone with steady income for over 20 years has made use of financial planning tools. NHL referees are eligible for league retirement plans and often have access to financial advisors who help them invest wisely.
With regular six-figure income and smart saving—perhaps through retirement funds, index portfolios, or real estate—Rooney could easily have built a financial nest egg well into the seven-figure range. It’s this kind of long-term, disciplined investing that explains how a $1–5 million net worth is not only realistic, but expected for someone in his position.
What About the TikTok Chris Rooney?
Just for clarity: if you were looking for Chris “Uncle Chris” Rooney, the TikTok creator known for his hilarious and heartwarming videos with his niece, the financial story is completely different.
That Chris Rooney has risen to fame on social media, particularly through the “Yeet Baby” content series that went viral on TikTok and Instagram. His content includes funny family moments, mental health advocacy, and partnerships with brands. While he’s clearly built a strong audience, there is no verified estimate of his net worth. Social media earnings vary widely, and unless a creator discloses their brand deals or monetization numbers, it’s difficult to pin down.
So, if you’re here for Chris Rooney the influencer, the financial details remain uncertain. But if your interest is in the NHL referee, the net worth range is far more measurable.
Philanthropy and Lifestyle
One notable aspect of Chris Rooney’s financial profile is the lack of any public display of extravagant living. He doesn’t appear on the covers of magazines flaunting luxury homes or expensive cars. Instead, he maintains a relatively private lifestyle focused on his career in hockey and personal life.
While specific details are limited, many professional referees are involved in giving back to the sport through youth development, officiating training programs, or charitable events tied to the league. Rooney’s long tenure and respected status likely place him in these circles of mentorship and behind-the-scenes contribution.
This modest lifestyle, combined with steady income and smart financial decisions, supports the idea that his wealth has grown steadily and sustainably—not explosively, but effectively.
Featured Image Source: espn.com
