How much do XFL players get paid? Breaking down salary structure for 2023 contracts
Even if it’s not the NFL, it pays to be a football player in America.
That’s even true of the revamped XFL, which returns in 2023 to compete with the USFL after the former’s 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season begins on Saturday with four games in which each of the league’s eight teams will compete for the XFL Championship.
A question that will naturally arise as the season progresses is how much are players making and on what salary structure. While not nearly as much as what players earn in the NFL, the XFL’s salary structure had to be good enough to convince players to compete in the fledgling league.
With this, The Sporting News examines how much XFL players can expect to earn in 2023 and how those salaries compare to those of the USFL and NFL.
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How Much Are XFL Players Paid?
According to ESPN — citing XFL senior vice president of player staff Doug Whaley and executive vice president of football operations Marc Ross — the average XFL player can expect one estimated annual salary of $60,000 from training camp through the end of the season.
XFL Salary Structure
- Average salary: $60,000
- Weekly Paycheck: $5,000
- Win Bonus: $1,000 per win
Whaley and Ross’ pitch to players’ agents reportedly includes a salary structure where players earn $5,000 per week, with a $1,000 bonus per win.
Using this structure as a guide, a player on a winless team in the XFL would earn $50,000 for the 2023 season. A player with the same pay structure on an undefeated 10-0 team would be making $60,000 (and making another $10,000, at $1,000 per win) by the end of the regular season.
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ESPN’s report did not specify whether Whaley and Ross’ reported average annual salary reflected only the regular season or also included the playoffs, which consist of a semifinal and a championship round.
Assuming it only applies to the regular season (and applies the same structure to the playoffs), a championship team player could potentially make an additional $12,000 in the postseason: $10,000 for two games played plus another 2,000 US Dollars for Two Wins.
With that, an active player on an undefeated XFL championship team could potentially make as much as $72,000 in 2023.
Of course, this only applies to the basic salaries of the players. However, Whaley and Moss told the outlet, “Some quarterbacks are expected to receive higher salaries.” ESPN also reported that the XFL estimates their benefits package at $20,000, “in addition to the cost of lodging and two meals a day during.” the season”.
MORE: XFL rules explained: Biggest differences from the NFL including overtime, 3-point PAT attempts and double forward passes
How Much Are NFL Players Paid?
Not surprisingly, the player salaries offered by the XFL pale in comparison to those of the NFL. That’s true even for players on the practice team in League Two, who will reportedly be making at least $12,000 a week in 2023 — good for a $216,000 annual salary.
The minimum salary for players on an active NFL roster in 2023 is $750,000.
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How Much Are USFL Players Paid?
The USFL agreed to a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with its parent company Fox Sports in December. Multiple reports indicate that active players under the new CBA will earn $5,350 per week in 2023, 2024 and 2025 — an increase of $4,500 per week from last season. That’s good for a minimum annual salary of $53,500 for active players.
According to a Dec. 15 USFL Newsroom report, other facets of the CBA include:
- Minimum salary of $2,500 per week for inactive players
- League-sponsored accommodation for all players during training camp
- Weekly Housing Benefit of $400
- $5,000 Championship Bonus
- $26,000 in benefits, including retirement, training camp lodging and education program
Currently, the XFL offers the lowest base salary for players – excluding bonuses – compared to the NFL and USFL. That’s important, especially when you compare the XFL and USFL, which compete while also recruiting talent to play in their respective leagues.
It remains to be seen if – and how – they will update their base salaries in the coming seasons.