For elite athletes with a passion for the fastest game on two feet, a career in professional lacrosse is an increasingly attractive goal. As the sport's popularity surges, so do the opportunities and earning potential for its players. While salaries may not yet rival those of the "big four" North American sports, a dedicated player can now earn a respectable income, with top-tier athletes commanding six-figure salaries through a combination of league pay, endorsements, and bonuses.
This guide will break down the complex world of professional lacrosse salaries, explore the factors that influence a player's earnings, and provide a realistic outlook for anyone considering this demanding and rewarding career path.
What Does a Professional Lacrosse Player Do?
The role of a professional lacrosse player extends far beyond competing in games. Their responsibilities are a year-round commitment to peak performance and brand building. A typical week involves:
- Rigorous Training: Players engage in intensive strength and conditioning programs, agility drills, and stick work sessions to maintain elite physical fitness.
- Team Practice & Strategy: This includes running plays, scrimmaging with teammates, and studying game film to analyze opponents and refine team strategy.
- Travel: During the season, players travel extensively for games, especially in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), which follows a touring model.
- Media and Community Engagement: Players are ambassadors for their league and the sport. This involves giving interviews, signing autographs, participating in youth clinics, and engaging with fans on social media.
- Personal Brand Management: Many players supplement their income by building a personal brand, which can lead to endorsement deals, private coaching opportunities, and running their own camps and clinics.
Average Professional Lacrosse Player Salary
Unlike other professional sports, pro lacrosse salaries are not always public knowledge and can be highly variable. The primary determinant of a player's salary is the league they play in. The two premier professional leagues are the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), an outdoor summer league, and the National Lacrosse League (NLL), an indoor (box) winter league.
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): The PLL has made significant strides in professionalizing player compensation. According to a 2022 report from Sportico, the average player salary in the PLL is approximately $35,000. The minimum salary is $25,000, but top players can earn significantly more through performance bonuses and additional compensation. It's important to note that the PLL season runs from June to September, and many players hold other jobs in the offseason.
- National Lacrosse League (NLL): The NLL operates as more of a part-time league, with a longer season but fewer games. According to the NLL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), salaries can range widely. Rookie salaries start at around $15,000, while veteran players and franchise stars can earn between $35,000 and $50,000 per season. Most NLL players have full-time careers outside of lacrosse, such as teaching, firefighting, or sales.
The total take-home pay for an elite player who competes in both leagues and secures endorsement deals can easily exceed $100,000 - $200,000 annually.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A player's earnings are not one-size-fits-all. Several key factors determine their contract value and overall income.
### Level of Education
While a specific degree is not required to play professional lacrosse, the path to the pros almost exclusively runs through the U.S. college (NCAA) system. A player's performance at a top-tier Division I program is their primary audition for the pros.
However, earning a college degree has a critical indirect impact on a player's financial stability. Since most pro lacrosse salaries are not yet sufficient to be a sole source of year-round income, a degree equips players with the skills and credentials needed for a stable offseason career and, most importantly, a successful career after they retire from the sport.
### Years of Experience
Experience is a major factor in salary negotiation.
- Rookies: Players entering the league directly from college typically sign contracts at or near the league minimum.
- Veterans: Players who have proven their value and durability over several seasons can command significantly higher salaries. Veteran status often comes with higher minimum salary floors as defined by a league's CBA.
- Star Players: Elite players in their prime can negotiate top-tier contracts and are often the highest earners on their teams.
### Geographic Location
Location impacts earnings differently depending on the league.
- NLL: This is a traditional, city-based league with teams across the U.S. and Canada. Playing in a major media market like Toronto, Vancouver, or Philadelphia can lead to greater opportunities for local endorsements and media exposure compared to playing in a smaller market.
- PLL: The PLL utilizes a tour-based model where teams are not tied to a specific city. Therefore, a team's "location" doesn't impact salary. However, a player's personal home base can influence their ability to run camps, clinics, and secure regional sponsorships during the offseason.
### Company Type (League)
The "company" a player works for is their league, and the two major leagues have very different business models and compensation structures.
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): As a single-entity league, all player contracts are with the PLL itself. The PLL offers players benefits like health insurance and, uniquely, equity in the league. This model has led to a higher average salary and is structured to be a player's primary focus during the summer.
- National Lacrosse League (NLL): The NLL is a franchise-based model where players sign contracts with their individual teams. The compensation structure is designed to supplement a player's primary income from a full-time job. The NLL's winter schedule is intentionally complementary to the PLL's summer schedule, allowing top athletes to compete in both.
### Area of Specialization (Position & Performance)
A player's on-field role is directly tied to their value.
- Position: Generally, high-impact offensive players (Attackmen and Midfielders) who score goals and drive the offense tend to command the highest salaries and most lucrative endorsement deals.
- Specialists: Elite specialists, particularly faceoff athletes (FOGOs), are incredibly valuable because they can dominate possession. A top FOGO can be one of the highest-paid players in the league due to their game-changing ability.
- Performance: Ultimately, performance dictates pay. Players who are consistently named All-Stars, win championships, or receive individual awards (like MVP) can negotiate the most lucrative contracts and receive substantial performance-based bonuses.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups professional lacrosse players under the broader category of "Athletes and Sports Competitors." The BLS projects employment in this category to grow by 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The outlook for professional lacrosse specifically is exceptionally bright. Both the PLL and NLL have seen remarkable growth in recent years, with:
- League Expansion: Both leagues have been steadily adding new franchise teams, creating more jobs for players.
- Increased Viewership: Landmark media rights deals with networks like ESPN and TSN have brought the sport to a wider audience than ever before.
- Growing Youth Participation: Lacrosse remains one of the fastest-growing youth sports in North America, building a larger and more engaged future fan base.
This positive trajectory suggests that player salaries and professional opportunities will continue to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion
A career as a professional lacrosse player is a viable and increasingly lucrative path for athletes at the pinnacle of the sport. While base salaries are still growing, the total earning potential for top players is strong when supplemental income from endorsements, bonuses, and offseason work is considered.
For aspiring pros, the key takeaways are:
- Excel at the collegiate level: It is the primary pathway to a professional contract.
- Plan for a dual career: A college degree and professional skills are essential for financial stability and a successful life after sports.
- Build your brand: On-field performance combined with off-field professionalism can unlock significant additional income.
The future of professional lacrosse is bright. For those with the talent, dedication, and business savvy, it offers a unique opportunity to build a career around the sport they love.