The United Football League continues to establish itself as a competitive spring football option following the successful merger of the XFL and USFL. As the league progresses through its 2025 season, fans want to know which players command the top salaries. Let’s examine the UFL compensation structure and identify the players likely earning the most in the league today.
UFL Standard Compensation Framework
The UFL established a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025 season following negotiations with the United Football Players Association. The minimum salary for active roster players participating in all 10 regular-season games increased to $62,005 for 2025, up from $55,000 in 2024. This represents a $7,005 increase, though part of this came from integrating the previous $4,000 annual housing stipend into the base salary.
The CBA also includes year-round health care coverage for all players, addressing a key concern from previous seasons. The agreement extends through 2026, when the minimum salary will increase further to $64,000.
Elite Quarterbacks Lead Earnings
Despite official statements suggesting pay equity across positions, evidence indicates certain players earn above the minimum salary. Quarterbacks, given their impact on game outcomes and marketability, appear most likely to command premium salaries. There has been no official word from the league if Quarterbacks make more money than other position players but we have heard from UFL sources that they do.
Jordan Ta’amu of the DC Defenders tops the list of potential high earners. As the reigning XFL MVP prior to the merger, Ta’amu commanded a six-figure salary in 2023. His return to the league suggests accommodations were made to secure his services, particularly as he leads early 2025 MVP rankings.
Luis Perez of the Arlington Renegades ranks among the likely top earners. Consistently one of the most efficient passers in the league, Perez has been mentioned in reports suggesting certain players negotiated individual deals above the standard minimum.
Other potential high earners include players with recent NFL experience and past league MVPs like Alex McGough, who re-signed with Birmingham. Quarterbacks Kellen Mond and Max Duggan have also generated speculation about commanding higher salaries.
Estimated Salary Range for Top Players
While exact figures remain confidential, UFL insiders suggest the highest-paid UFL players likely earn in the low-to-mid six-figure range ($100,000-$250,000). This represents a substantial premium over the $62,005 minimum but remains below the peak salaries seen in the 2023 XFL, which reportedly ranged from $200,000 to $400,000 for top quarterbacks.
The UFL maintains strategic ambiguity regarding quarterback compensation. This approach allows the league to secure vital talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility across the majority of the roster. The lack of transparency provides flexibility to make targeted investments in key players without setting public precedents that could inflate overall labor costs.
Performance Bonuses Supplement Base Pay
UFL players can increase their earnings through performance-based bonuses. The reported structure includes:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): $7,500
- Player of the Year: $5,000
- All-UFL Team Selection: $2,500
- Player of the Week: $1,000
These bonuses provide recognition for outstanding performance but have relatively modest financial impact. For a player earning the minimum salary, winning MVP would increase their total compensation by just over 12%.
UFL Salaries in Context
The UFL’s compensation structure reveals a significant gap compared to the NFL, where the 2024 minimum salary stands at $795,000. Even NFL practice squad players earn minimum weekly salaries of $12,000, potentially exceeding $200,000 annually.
The comparison with the CFL presents a different picture. The UFL’s 2025 minimum salary now exceeds the CFL minimum by an estimated $12,000-$14,000, potentially enhancing the UFL’s ability to attract roster-depth players who might otherwise choose the CFL.
However, the CFL offers higher potential earnings for top performers, with elite quarterbacks earning well into six figures (approximately $320,000 USD for top passers). This creates competition between the leagues for specific talent tiers.
Future Outlook for UFL Compensation
The trajectory of UFL player compensation depends on the league’s financial performance and growth. Increased revenues from television deals, corporate partnerships, attendance, and potential expansion could support future salary increases.
The UFL aims to balance competitive compensation with fiscal responsibility. The current approach of offering negotiated salaries to select players while maintaining standard minimums for most appears designed to secure essential talent without undermining financial stability.
For fans tracking the financial side of the UFL, watching which quarterbacks sign and remain with the league provides the best indicator of who commands top dollar. As the league continues to establish its place in the professional football landscape, the compensation structure will remain a key factor in attracting and retaining the talent needed to deliver exciting spring football.
