Introduction
Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the United States. As the league continues to grow, more and more people are interested in what MLS players make. This article will explore how much MLS players make, including the overall average salary, the salaries of the top-earning players, and how salaries vary by position and team. It will also examine the impact of endorsement deals on MLS player salaries and how they have changed over time.
Analyzing the Average Salary of MLS Players
According to a study by the MLS Players Association, the average salary for an MLS player in 2020 was $345,867. This is up from $295,000 in 2019, an increase of 17%. The highest-paid player in the league, Carlos Vela, earned a reported $7 million in 2020. While this figure is significantly higher than the average, it still pales in comparison to the salaries of players in other professional sports leagues such as the NBA or NFL.
Examining the Salaries of the Top-Earning MLS Players
The 2020 season saw a total of 10 players earn $1 million or more in guaranteed compensation, with four players earning more than $4 million. Carlos Vela topped the list with a reported $7 million. He was followed by LAFC teammate Diego Rossi ($3.6 million), Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley ($3.5 million) and NYCFC’s Maxi Moralez ($3.4 million). These figures are still well below the salaries of top players in other major sports leagues, such as the NBA’s LeBron James ($37.4 million) and the NFL’s Russell Wilson ($35 million).
Breaking Down the Salaries of MLS Players By Position
When looking at the salaries of MLS players by position, strikers are the highest earners, followed by midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers. According to the same study by the MLS Players Association, the average salary of a striker in 2020 was $486,800, while midfielders earned an average of $371,200, defenders $329,800, and goalkeepers $252,300. This suggests that teams are placing a greater emphasis on offense and are willing to pay more for players who can score goals.
Comparing MLS Player Salaries to Other Professional Sports Leagues
When comparing MLS player salaries to those of other professional sports leagues, there is a significant difference. For example, the average salary for an MLB player in 2020 was $4.36 million, while the average salary for an NBA player was $7.7 million. This is significantly higher than the average salary of an MLS player, which shows that MLS players are not as highly compensated as players in other leagues.
Investigating How MLS Player Salaries Have Changed Over Time
The average salary of an MLS player has steadily increased since the league began in 1996. From 1996 to 2000, the average salary increased from $68,000 to $111,000, an increase of 64%. From 2000 to 2020, the average salary increased from $111,000 to $345,867, an increase of 211%. This demonstrates the growth of the league and the increasing value of MLS players.
Exploring How MLS Player Salaries Vary Across Different Teams
The salaries of MLS players vary greatly from team to team. According to the MLS Players Association, the average salary for a player on the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2020 was $567,100, while the average salary for a player on the Philadelphia Union was just $212,600. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, including location, success, and team budget.
Examining the Impact of Endorsement Deals on MLS Player Salaries
Endorsement deals are another way that MLS players can supplement their salaries. According to Forbes, the top 10 MLS players earned a combined total of $20 million in endorsement deals in 2020. This is a significant amount of money, and it shows that endorsement deals can have a major impact on MLS player salaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLS players make significantly less than players in other professional sports leagues. However, the average salary of an MLS player has increased significantly over the past two decades, and the salaries of the top-earning players have grown even more. Additionally, endorsement deals can have a major impact on MLS player salaries. This article has provided an in-depth look at the salaries of MLS players and the factors that influence them.
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