For elite athletes who have dedicated their lives to the "fastest sport on two feet," reaching the professional level is the ultimate dream. But what does that dream look like from a financial perspective? While professional lacrosse may not yet offer the multi-million dollar contracts seen in major sports leagues, it presents a unique and growing opportunity for top-tier players.
The salary for a professional lacrosse player can range from approximately $25,000 to over $55,000 in base league pay. However, the true earning potential for premier athletes can climb well into the six-figure range when factoring in sponsorships, endorsements, and coaching opportunities. This guide will break down the salary you can expect and the key factors that influence a pro lacrosse player's income.
What Does a Pro Lacrosse Player Do?
A professional lacrosse player's job extends far beyond the game-day turf. Their responsibilities are a year-round commitment to peak physical and mental performance.
On a daily basis, their work includes:
- Intense Training: Rigorous strength and conditioning, speed and agility drills, and stick-skill development.
- Team Practice and Strategy: Participating in team practices, studying game film to analyze opponents, and mastering complex offensive and defensive schemes.
- Travel: Traveling for games, which, depending on the league, can involve weekly flights to different cities across North America.
- Community Engagement and Brand Building: Acting as ambassadors for the sport by participating in community events, running youth clinics, and building a personal brand through social media and public appearances.
Crucially, because the current salary structure doesn't always provide a full-time living wage, most professional lacrosse players also balance a second career, from teaching and coaching to finance and real estate.
Average Pro Lacrosse Player Salary
Unlike careers with a single, straightforward salary path, a pro lacrosse player's income is highly dependent on which league they play in. The two premier professional leagues are the outdoor Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and the indoor National Lacrosse League (NLL).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the broad category of "Athletes and Sports Competitors" shows a median pay of $94,110 per year as of May 2023. However, this figure includes athletes from much higher-paying sports, so it's essential to look at lacrosse-specific data.
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): As of the 2024 season, the average PLL player salary is reported to be around $40,000. The league has a minimum salary of $25,000, with star players able to earn more through performance bonuses and expanded contract opportunities. This salary is for a summer season that runs from June to September.
- National Lacrosse League (NLL): The NLL, which plays an indoor "box" lacrosse season from December to April, has a different pay structure. According to industry reports and the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), NLL salaries can range significantly. Rookie salaries start around $15,000, while veteran players on protected rosters can earn upwards of $40,000 to $55,000 per season. The average NLL player salary falls in the $25,000 to $30,000 range.
It's common for dedicated players to compete in both the NLL during the winter and the PLL during the summer, effectively combining incomes from both leagues.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A player's paycheck is not one-size-fits-all. Several critical factors determine their base salary and overall earning potential.
### League and Team Structure ("Company Type")
This is the single most significant factor.
- The PLL operates as a single-entity tour-based model, meaning the league owns all the teams and players are contracted with the league itself. This structure allows for a more standardized minimum salary and centralized media and sponsorship efforts that benefit all players.
- The NLL uses a traditional franchise model, where individual owners operate teams in specific home cities. Salaries are governed by a CBA between the league and the Professional Lacrosse Players' Association (PLPA). Player pay can be influenced by a team's market, revenue, and individual contract negotiations.
### Years of Experience and Performance
Experience is directly tied to earning potential.
- Rookies vs. Veterans: Rookies in both leagues typically earn salaries based on a predetermined scale tied to their draft position. Veteran players who have proven their value over multiple seasons have more leverage to negotiate higher contracts.
- Performance: Elite performance is rewarded. Players who are perennial All-Stars, lead the league in statistical categories, or win major awards (like MVP) can command the highest salaries within the league's cap structure. Championship bonuses are also a common incentive.
### Position and Role on the Team ("Area of Specialization")
While both leagues strive for pay equity across positions, marketability plays a role in overall earnings. High-scoring attackmen and dynamic midfielders often have the biggest public profiles, which can translate into better endorsement opportunities, even if their base salary is similar to a top defender or goalie. A player's role—whether a franchise-leading star or a valuable role player—also dictates their position on the pay scale.
### Collegiate Career and Draft Position ("Level of Education")
In professional sports, "Level of Education" translates to collegiate pedigree. A player's performance in the NCAA is their primary resume.
- High Draft Picks: Players selected in the early rounds of the college draft typically receive higher rookie salaries.
- NCAA Success: Athletes from powerhouse NCAA Division I programs and winners of prestigious awards like the Tewaaraton Award (lacrosse's Heisman Trophy) enter the professional ranks with significant name recognition, making them more valuable to leagues and sponsors from day one.
### Endorsements and Off-Field Income
For top players, league salary is only one piece of the financial puzzle. Off-field income is where star players can significantly increase their earnings. These streams include:
- Equipment and Apparel Deals: Sponsorships with major lacrosse brands like STX, Warrior, Maverik, and Nike.
- Brand Ambassadorships: Partnerships with non-lacrosse companies (e.g., fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle brands).
- Coaching and Clinics: Leveraging their expertise to run youth lacrosse camps, clinics, and private coaching sessions, which can be a lucrative side business.
- Media and Content Creation: Building a social media following and monetizing it through sponsored posts or content.
Job Outlook
The future for professional lacrosse is bright. The BLS projects that employment for the broader "Athletes and Sports Competitors" category will grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The sport of lacrosse is fueling this growth. Factors contributing to a positive outlook include:
- Increasing Media Exposure: The PLL's exclusive media rights deal with ESPN has brought the sport to a massive audience.
- Rising Participation: Lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest-growing youth sports in North America, creating a larger talent pool and fan base for the future.
- League Expansion and Investment: Both the PLL and NLL are in a period of growth, with rising salary caps, new expansion teams, and increased investor interest.
Conclusion
A career as a professional lacrosse player is a testament to passion, dedication, and elite athletic ability. While the base salaries may require players to supplement their income with a second job, the financial landscape is rapidly improving.
Key Takeaways:
- Average Salary: Expect a base salary between $25,000 and $55,000, depending on the league, experience, and performance.
- Dual Careers are Common: Most players balance their professional lacrosse career with another full-time job or business venture.
- Growth is the Story: The sport's rising popularity, media presence, and league investments point toward higher salaries and more opportunities in the coming years.
- Endorsements are Key: For top-tier players, sponsorships and off-field income represent a significant portion of their total earnings, often exceeding their league salary.
For those with the talent and drive, a professional lacrosse career offers the chance to compete at the highest level of a sport on the rise, with financial opportunities poised for significant growth in the years to come.