How much do AFLW players get paid?

5 min.

The AFL Women’s (AFLW) league has quickly become a vital part of the Australian sporting landscape, celebrated for its dynamic gameplay and inspiring athletes. As the league grows, a key question arises: How much do AFLW players get paid? Player salaries not only reflect the league’s progress but also highlight the challenges in achieving equality with the men’s competition. In this detailed article, we’ll explore AFLW player wages, the league’s collective bargaining agreements, and what the future holds for player compensation.

The Evolution of AFLW Salaries

Since its inception in 2017, the AFLW has made significant strides in improving player pay. Early salaries were modest, reflecting the semi-professional nature of the league at the time. Over the years, however, the AFL has increased wages, signaling its commitment to growing the competition and valuing its players.

Key Milestones in AFLW Salaries:

2017 (Inaugural Season):
Players were paid between $8,500 and $17,000 per season, depending on their tier.
2019–2021:
Salaries increased incrementally, with top-tier players earning up to $27,000 per season.
2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA):
A landmark deal raised average player salaries to $46,280, with the top-tier players earning $71,935.

Current AFLW Salary Structure

AFLW salaries are divided into tiers, reflecting players’ roles, experience, and contributions to their teams. As of the 2023 season, here’s how player salaries break down:

1. Minimum Wage

The minimum salary for AFLW players has risen to $39,184. This ensures that all players are compensated fairly, even those in entry-level roles.

2. Top-Tier Players

The highest-paid AFLW players, often marquee athletes, can earn up to $71,935 per season. These players are typically team captains, All-Australian stars, or key ambassadors for the league.

3. Average Salary

The average AFLW player now earns $46,280, a significant increase from previous years.

How Do AFLW Salaries Compare to AFL (Men’s) Salaries?

While AFLW salaries have improved, they still fall short of the earnings in the men’s AFL competition. For context:

Average AFL Salary (Men’s): Approximately $372,000 per year.
Top AFL Players: Superstars like Dustin Martin and Lance Franklin earn $1 million+ annually.
AFLW Comparison: Even the top AFLW players earn less than 20% of the men’s average salary.

This disparity highlights the challenges of achieving pay equity, though the AFL has made clear its intention to narrow the gap as the league grows.

Why Is There a Pay Gap?

The pay gap between AFLW and AFL players stems from several factors:

1. Revenue Generation

The AFL generates billions annually through ticket sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships, and merchandise. AFLW, while growing rapidly, is still building its financial base.

2. Season Length

The AFLW season is significantly shorter, with only 10 rounds plus finals, compared to the AFL’s 23 rounds plus finals. This limits match payments and revenue opportunities.

3. Historical Disparities

The AFL has a century-long head start, with established fan bases, traditions, and commercial partnerships. AFLW is still in its formative years, but its rapid growth is promising.

Additional Income Streams for AFLW Players

To supplement their AFLW salaries, many players rely on other income streams:

Secondary Jobs
Many players work part-time or full-time in industries like education, healthcare, or media. For example, Daisy Pearce, a legend of the game, has balanced her playing career with work as a firefighter and media commentator.
Sponsorship Deals
High-profile players secure sponsorships with brands like Puma, Nike, and NAB, boosting their earnings.
Media and Commentary
Retired or active players often find opportunities in media, providing expert analysis on AFL and AFLW games.

Collective Bargaining and AFLW’s Push for Professionalism

A key driver of improved AFLW salaries has been the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). These agreements, negotiated between the AFL and AFL Players Association (AFLPA), set the framework for player wages, working conditions, and league investments.

Highlights of the 2022–2026 CBA:

Significant Pay Increases: Player wages are set to rise incrementally over the agreement’s term.
Longer Seasons: Plans to expand the AFLW fixture to 14–17 games in the coming years.
Improved Benefits: Enhanced maternity leave policies, injury management, and access to elite facilities.

Learn more about the AFLW CBA here.

The Importance of Fair Pay in AFLW

Paying AFLW players fairly isn’t just about finances—it’s about fostering equality, recognizing talent, and ensuring the league’s long-term success. Here’s why it matters:

Player Wellbeing
Fair wages allow players to focus more on training and performance, reducing the need for secondary jobs.
Inspiring Future Generations
Adequate compensation makes AFLW a viable career path for young girls dreaming of playing professional football.
Strengthening the League
Higher wages attract top-tier athletes, enhancing the quality of competition and growing the fan base.

Challenges in Achieving Pay Equity

Despite the progress, achieving full pay equity in AFLW faces challenges:

1. Revenue Growth

For AFLW to sustain higher wages, it needs to increase revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting, and sponsorships.

2. Balancing Growth with Sustainability

Rapidly increasing salaries without a corresponding rise in revenue could strain the league’s finances.

3. Cultural Attitudes

While support for women’s sport is growing, overcoming societal biases about its value remains an ongoing effort.

Future Outlook: The Path to Full-Time Professionalism

The AFLW is on track to becoming a fully professional league, with full-time contracts for players as a key milestone. Achieving this will require:

Longer Seasons: More games mean higher player payments and increased fan engagement.
Stronger Sponsorship Deals: Partnering with global brands can bring significant financial investment into the league.
Increased Fan Support: Boosting attendance and merchandise sales will directly impact revenue.

Conclusion: AFLW Salaries Reflect Progress and Potential

So, how much do AFLW players get paid? While the current salaries range from $39,184 to $71,935, they reflect significant progress in a league that is still growing. The AFLW’s journey toward full professionalism is inspiring, with each season bringing new milestones and opportunities for players.

As fans, sponsors, and stakeholders rally behind the league, the future of AFLW looks brighter than ever. Fair pay isn’t just about dollars—it’s about valuing talent, creating opportunities, and building a legacy for generations to come.

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