Highlights:
- UFL players earned $5,500 weekly, totaling $55,000 for the season
- NFL minimum salary is $825,000, with average player earning $2.8 million
- NFL coaches make over $8 million a year
The United Football League (UFL) completed its inaugural season in 2024, establishing itself as a spring football alternative. UFL active roster players earned $5,500 per week, while inactive players received $2,500 weekly. Players also received a $400 weekly housing stipend. Training camp pay for UFL players was set at $850 per week.
UFL Salaries
UFL player compensation included performance-based incentives. The league increased the “All UFL Team” compensation pool, replacing individual Player of the Week bonuses. Selection to the All-UFL Team resulted in a larger payout from this enhanced pool. The UFL Player of the Year received $5,000, and the league MVP earned a $7,500 bonus.
NFL Salaries
UFL salaries dwarf those of the NFL. The NFL minimum salary for 2024 is $825,000, nearly 15 times the full-season earnings of a UFL player. The average NFL player salary is approximately $2.8 million, or $53,000 per week. This contrast highlights the financial gap between the established NFL and the startup UFL.
You can also see why players would want to play in the UFL for a chance to make it back in the NFL. Even if it is just for a week during the NFL season.
If a UFL player can stay on an NFL practice squad for 5 weeks. They would make more money than playing in a full season in the United Football League.
Salary comparison between UFL and NFL:
- Minimum salary: UFL ($55,000), NFL ($825,000)
- Average salary: UFL ($55,000-$60,000), NFL ($2.8 million)
- Highest salary: UFL ($62,500 with bonuses), NFL ($55 million – Joe Burrow)
- Weekly pay: UFL ($5,500), NFL (average $53,000)
- Training camp pay: UFL ($850/week), NFL ($1,700-$4,700/week)
- Performance bonuses: UFL (up to $7,500), NFL (varies, often six-figure amounts)
- Housing stipend: UFL ($400/week), NFL (none, but higher overall compensation)
- Inactive player pay: UFL ($2,500/week), NFL (practice squad earns $12,000+/week)
Key differences between the UFL and NFL:
- Season timing: UFL (spring), NFL (fall-winter)
- Number of teams: UFL (8), NFL (32)
- League age: UFL (1 year), NFL (104 years)
- TV deal value: UFL ($100-150 million/5 years), NFL ($113 billion/11 years)
- Schedule length: UFL (10 games), NFL (17 games)
- Roster size: UFL (50 active), NFL (53 active, 16 practice squad)
- Draft: UFL (2 Drafts -Summer & Fall), NFL (7 rounds)
How Much Do UFL Quarterbacks Make
Quarterback compensation showcases the disparity between the leagues. In the UFL, quarterbacks earned the same as other positions however that might not be the some for some QB’s in the league. The NFL’s highest-paid player, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, earns $55 million annually – 1,000 times more than a UFL player’s base salary.
The UFL aimed to provide competitive wages while maintaining financial stability. As a startup league, the UFL focused on fiscal responsibility. This approach allowed the league to establish itself in the spring football market. $55,000 for 6 months of work is not that bad.
UFL Coaches Salaries
UFL coaches faced financial adjustments in the league merger. Some coaches, including Hines Ward, departed due to pay reductions. Others, like Reggie Barlow and Anthony Becht, accepted lower salaries to remain in the UFL. Wade Phillips, and Bob Stoops were still on their original two year contact. We don’t know what the exact number these coaches were making.
We do know that during the XFL 2.0 bankruptcy proceedings the average salary of XFL coaches in 2020 was around $500,000. Bob Stoops was around $2 million. This contrasted sharply with NFL coaching salaries, where top head coaches earn between $8 million and $12 million annually.
UFL Broadcast Deal
Since the UFL is owned by FOX and RedBird Capital. They have a partnership with Disney to broadcast the games on ABC, FOX and ESPN. So there is no true number of how much the TV deal is worth. The NFL’s has a TV deal worth $113 billion over 11 seasons.
Why Spring Football Is Needed
For players, the UFL offered a platform to showcase their skills. Many viewed the league as a potential stepping stone to NFL opportunities. The UFL provided valuable playing time and exposure for athletes looking to advance their careers. As the league grows in popularity, there’s potential for salary increases in future seasons.
The financial structure of the UFL reflected its position as an emerging league. While unable to match NFL compensation, the UFL provided a competitive environment for players to develop and gain exposure. As the league evolves, its salary structure may adapt to attract and retain top talent while maintaining financial sustainability.
1 Comment
by Gary Winter
Has anyone heard yet how season ticket sales are going everywhere so far? While it would be great to see expansion in the UFL, that won’t happen if the eight current teams don’t get their stuff together and start attracting fans both in the seats and watching from home!
When do single game tickets go on sale?
Mark, thanks for this venue to ask questions and share with others. It’s very much appreciated. I hope everyone’s health is going much better for you and yours at home.