With the 2024 UFL season set to kick off on March 30, let’s take a quick look at how player salaries and benefits have improved.
According to Mark Perry of UFL Newshub there have been some changes in the compensation and benefits for players in the United Football League as compared to the 2023 USFL season.
The highest paid players in the league are of course the quarterbacks and although no exact figures are available, Perry states that quarterbacks were paid between $200,000 and $400,000 in the XFL so salaries in that range are expected for the 2024 UFL season.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure, health provisions and other financial incentives provided for players comparing the differences between the two seasons.
Salary Adjustments
2023:
- Active Salary: $5,350/week
- Inactive Salary: $2,500/week
- Camp Salary: $700/week
2024:
- Active Salary: Increased to $5,500/week
- Inactive Salary: Remains at $2,500/week
- Camp Salary: Increased to $850/week
Roster and Pay Scale Modifications
2023:
- Camp Roster: 58 players
- Camp Injured Reserve: $700 Camp Pay Scale
2024:
- Camp Roster: Expanded to 75 players
- Camp Injured Reserve: $2,500 Inactive Pay Scale
Housing and Stipends
2023:
- Housing Stipend: $1,600/month
2024:
- Housing Stipend: Remains at $1,600/month
- Injured Reserve Housing Stipend: Introduced for IR players
Bonus Incentives
2023:
- Player Accolade Bonus: Not provided
2024:
- Player Accolade Bonus: Introduced with various tiers, including MVP and Player of the Year awards
Health and Safety Provisions
2023:
- Athletic Trainers: 1 Head and 1 Assistant per team
- Player’s Right to Second Opinion: Players choose their physician
2024:
- Athletic Trainers: Increased to 1 Head and 2 Assistants per team
- Player’s Right to Second Opinion: Neutral physician available to resolve disputes
Offseason Flexibility
2023:
- Offseason Play: Restricted to NFL only
2024:
- Offseason Play: Expanded to include non-competitive leagues
Based on this, the increases between the 2023 and 2024 season while not significant, will still be tangible. There is an improvement in player salaries as well as an expanded roster, the introduction of housing stipends for injured players, the debut of a bonus system for player accolades, and greater support for player health and offseason activities.