How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make? (Overview)

As lacrosse continues to grow, so does the interest in professional lacrosse and the salaries of its players.

How much do lacrosse players make?

Professional lacrosse players in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) earn salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000+ per season, while those in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) earn between $10,000 to $40,000 per season.

These figures may not account for additional income from endorsements and sponsorships.

Below we look more into professional lacrosse and the details of how much pro lacrosse players make.

Table of Contents

The Growth of Professional Lacrosse

Professional lacrosse has seen significant growth in recent years, with the establishment of several leagues and an increase in fan support.

The two major professional lacrosse leagues in North America are the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

The PLL was founded in 2018 by lacrosse player Paul Rabil and his brother Mike Rabil.

It follows a tour-based model, where teams travel to different cities to compete in weekend-long events.

The league features some of the best lacrosse players in the world and has gained a considerable following.

The NLL, on the other hand, has been around since 1986 and is the longest-running professional lacrosse league.

It currently consists of 14 teams across North America and has a loyal fan base. The NLL season runs from December to April, with games played in indoor arenas.

Factors Affecting Pro Lacrosse Player Salaries

Several factors influence the salaries of professional lacrosse players.

These factors include:

League: The league in which a player competes plays a significant role in determining their salary. The PLL, being a newer league, may not offer salaries as high as those in the more established NLL.
Experience: Like any other sport, experience plays a crucial role in determining a player’s salary. Players with more years of professional experience and a proven track record are likely to earn higher salaries.
Performance: Performance on the field is a key factor in determining a player’s worth. Players who consistently perform at a high level and contribute significantly to their team’s success are more likely to earn higher salaries.
Marketability: The marketability of a player also affects their earning potential. Players who have a strong social media presence, endorsements, and a positive public image may attract additional income through sponsorships and partnerships.

Salary Range for Pro Lacrosse Players

The salary range for professional lacrosse players can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.

While exact figures are not always publicly disclosed, we can provide a general overview of the salary range based on available information.

In the PLL, salaries for players range from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 per season.

However, it is important to note that these figures may not include additional income from endorsements and sponsorships.

In the NLL, salaries for players can range from around $10,000 to $30,000 per season.

Again, these figures may not include additional income from endorsements and sponsorships.

It is worth mentioning that these salary ranges are not set in stone and can vary depending on individual circumstances and negotiations between players and teams.

Case Study: Paul Rabil

Paul Rabil, one of the most well-known lacrosse players, provides an interesting case study when it comes to professional lacrosse player salaries.

As one of the founders of the PLL, Rabil has been instrumental in shaping the league and its financial structure.

Rabil’s salary is reported to be significantly higher than the average player in the PLL.

In 2019, it was estimated that Rabil earned around $1 million per year, including his salary and additional income from endorsements and sponsorships.

While Rabil’s salary is an outlier, it demonstrates the potential for high earning in professional lacrosse, especially for players who have a strong brand and marketability.

Q&A – How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make?

1. What is the average salary of a professional lacrosse player?

The average salary of a professional lacrosse player can vary depending on the league, experience, performance, and marketability.

In the PLL, salaries range from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 per season, while in the NLL, salaries range from around $10,000 to $30,000 per season.

2. Do professional lacrosse players receive additional income from endorsements?

Yes, professional lacrosse players have the potential to earn additional income from endorsements and sponsorships.

Players with a strong social media presence, endorsements, and a positive public image are more likely to attract such opportunities.

3. Are there any bonuses or incentives for professional lacrosse players?

Some professional lacrosse players may receive bonuses or incentives based on their performance or team success.

These can include performance-based bonuses, playoff bonuses, or championship bonuses.

4. How do salaries in professional lacrosse compare to other major sports?

Salaries in professional lacrosse are generally lower compared to major sports such as basketball, football, or baseball.

However, it is important to consider that lacrosse is still a growing sport and has not reached the same level of commercialization and revenue generation as these major sports.

5. Can professional lacrosse players make a living solely from playing lacrosse?

While some professional lacrosse players may be able to make a living solely from playing lacrosse, many players supplement their income through other means such as coaching, training camps, or other lacrosse-related ventures.

6. Are there opportunities for international players to play professional lacrosse?

Yes, there are opportunities for international players to play professional lacrosse.

Both the PLL and NLL have had international players on their rosters, and the sport continues to grow globally.

7. Do professional lacrosse players have health insurance and other benefits?

The availability of health insurance and other benefits for professional lacrosse players can vary depending on the league and team.

Some teams may provide health insurance and other benefits, while others may not.

8. Are there salary caps in professional lacrosse?

Yes, both the PLL and NLL have salary caps in place to ensure competitive balance and financial sustainability, much like the NFL and other leagues.

These salary caps limit the amount of money teams can spend on player salaries.

9. Can professional lacrosse players negotiate their salaries?

Yes, professional lacrosse players can negotiate their salaries with teams.

Factors such as experience, performance, and marketability can influence the negotiation process.

10. Are there opportunities for female professional lacrosse players?

While the focus of this article has been on male professional lacrosse players, it is worth mentioning that there are opportunities for female professional lacrosse players as well.

The Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse league, for example, provides a platform for female players to compete at a professional level.

11. Do professional lacrosse players have offseason jobs?

Some professional lacrosse players may have offseason jobs to supplement their income.

These jobs can range from coaching and training to working in lacrosse-related businesses or pursuing other careers.

12. How do professional lacrosse player salaries compare to lacrosse coaches’ salaries?

Professional lacrosse player salaries are generally higher than lacrosse coaches’ salaries.

Coaches at the professional level may earn salaries ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per season.

13. Can professional lacrosse players earn money from lacrosse camps and clinics?

Yes, professional lacrosse players can earn money by hosting lacrosse camps and clinics.

These events provide an opportunity for players to share their knowledge and skills with aspiring lacrosse players while generating additional income.

14. Are there opportunities for retired professional lacrosse players?

Retired professional lacrosse players can explore various opportunities within the sport.

These can include coaching, broadcasting, working in lacrosse-related businesses, or pursuing other careers.

15. How do professional lacrosse player salaries compare to other professional athletes?

Professional lacrosse player salaries are generally lower compared to other professional athletes in major sports such as basketball, football, or baseball.

The revenue generated by lacrosse is still growing, and the sport has not reached the same level of commercialization as these major sports.

Summary

Professional lacrosse players’ salaries can vary depending on factors such as the league, experience, performance, and marketability.