How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make? (Answered)

Is it possible to make a full-time salary as a professional lacrosse player? In 2023, the answer is certainly yes; however, the amount of money that professional lacrosse players make varies depending on the league and the player’s individual contract. In general, professional lacrosse players earn much less than players in major professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB. Pro lacrosse players must rely on additional sources of income outside of a league salary, such as sponsorships, private training, and coaching. So how much do pro lacrosse players make in total? When combining all income streams, pro lacrosse players can make north of $100,00. Let’s break down all of a pro lacrosse players income streams 👇.

But First… What Are The Pro Lacrosse Leagues?

The two major professional lacrosse leagues in the United States are the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The National Lacrosse League is a professional indoor lacrosse league that was founded in 1986. It is made up of fifteen teams located in the United States and Canada. The Premier Lacrosse League is a professional outdoor field lacrosse league in the United States. It was founded by Paul Rabil in 2018 and is currently made up of eight teams. The PLL is a single-entity league, meaning that all of the teams are owned and operated by the league itself, rather than by individual owners.

How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make In The NLL?

According to the NLL, the minimum salary for a player in the league is $10,000 per year, while the maximum salary is $35,000 per year. The average salary in the NLL is around $20,000 per year. In addition to their salaries, players in the NLL may also receive bonuses and other incentives, such as performance bonuses and endorsement deals. These additional sources of income can help to increase a player’s overall earnings.

How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make In The PLL?

According to the PLL, the minimum salary for a player in the PLL is $25,000 per year, while the maximum salary is around $50,000 per year. The average salary in the PLL is around $35,000. This is significantly higher than the previous professional outdoor league, Major League Lacrosse (MLL). In addition to their salaries, players in the PLL receive healthcare benefits, as well as ownership shares in the Premier Lacrosse League.

How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Make Overall?

Outside of league salaries, pro lacrosse players can benefit from a variety of other income streams. First, they can earn sponsorship deals that typically range from $5,000 – $50,000 per year. However, when it comes to sponsorships, the sky is the limit. Prior to starting the PLL, Paul Rabil was the highest paid lacrosse player in the world, making $1M per year from sponsorships, YouTube income, and more. Next, pro players often run their own camps and private training sessions for youth players. Lastly, many pro players coach at the collegiate and high school level. Overall, a top pro lacrosse player that plays in both the PLL and NLL, receives sponsorships, runs private training in the offseason, and maybe even coaches, is making north of $100,000 per year.