Introduction
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top-tier professional soccer league in the United States. It was founded in 1996 and has since grown to include 24 teams across the US and Canada. This article aims to explore how much MLS players make and compare their salaries to those of other professional soccer leagues.
Comparing the Salaries of MLS Players to Other Professional Soccer Leagues
When it comes to salaries, MLS players do not make as much as their counterparts in other professional soccer leagues. According to a recent survey by the Global Sports Salaries Survey (GSSS), the average annual salary for an MLS player is $353,000. This is lower than the average salary for players in the English Premier League ($1.9 million), La Liga ($1.3 million), Serie A ($1.2 million), and Bundesliga ($1 million).
It is important to note that these figures are based on the average salary for all players in each respective league, which includes both starters and substitutes. The GSSS survey also found that the median salary for an MLS player is $150,000, which is significantly lower than the median salaries for players in the other major European leagues ($450,000).
The Highest Paid MLS Players and Their Salaries
Despite the lower overall salaries in the MLS, there are some players who make significantly more money than the average player. According to the MLS Players Union, the highest paid players in the league are Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco ($7.1 million per year) and LA Galaxy’s Giovani dos Santos ($6 million per year). Other high earners include Montreal Impact’s Ignacio Piatti ($4.5 million per year), Seattle Sounders’ Clint Dempsey ($3.89 million per year), and New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo ($2.8 million per year).
Exploring the Average Salary for an MLS Player
So, what factors influence the salaries of MLS players? According to a study by the CIES Football Observatory, the average salary for an MLS player is mainly impacted by the player’s age, experience, and international status. For example, the study found that players aged between 21 and 25 earn an average salary of $236,000, while players aged between 26 and 30 earn an average salary of $404,000. Similarly, players with five or more years of experience earn an average salary of $423,000, while players with one to four years of experience earn an average salary of $261,000.
In addition, the study found that international players earn an average salary of $364,000, while domestic players earn an average salary of $286,000. This suggests that international players are more likely to be hired by MLS teams and command higher salaries.
Conclusion
Overall, MLS players make significantly less than their counterparts in other professional soccer leagues. The average salary for an MLS player is $353,000, while the median salary is $150,000. Additionally, the salaries of MLS players are primarily influenced by the player’s age, experience, and international status. Finally, the highest paid MLS players include Sebastian Giovinco, Giovani dos Santos, Ignacio Piatti, Clint Dempsey, and Andrea Pirlo, who all earn over $2 million per year.
In conclusion, while MLS players may not make as much as their counterparts in other professional soccer leagues, they can still earn a comfortable living. With the right combination of age, experience, and international status, MLS players can command significant salaries.
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