Despite soccer not being the most popular sport in the US, it is clear the world of Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to grow in popularity, with a diverse array of international talent making its way to North America.
With the increase in talent, player salaries have also seen a significant rise over the years. In this article, we will dive into the average MLS player salaries, the highest-paid players in the league, and the latest released MLS salary report.
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MLS Salary Report
Every year, the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) releases the MLS Players’ salary guide. In this article, we do an analysis of the report and the trends we see when it comes to earnings a professional player can reach in the US.
MLS Team Salary Distribution
Below is a table of all the MLS teams and their roster salaries. The table is divided into 5 columns:
- Club
- Average Roster Base Salary: The average of the total base salary of each club’s roster.
- Total Roster Base Salary: The total sum of the base salary of the roster which includes designated players, senior non-designated players, and supplemental slots which are not limited to homegrown players, generation Adidas players, and designated players eligible for the MLS SuperDraft.
- Average Roster Guaranteed Compensation: The average of the total guaranteed compensation of each club’s roster.
- Total Roster Guaranteed Compensation: The total sum of the base salary of the roster which includes a player’s base salary and all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player’s contract.
MLS Players Salary
The following table discloses the salary of all MLS players for the 2023 season. The table is divided into 5 columns:
- Club
- Player
- Playing Position
- Base Salary
- Guaranteed Compensation: A player’s base salary plus all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player’s contract.
MLS Average Salary
In 2023, the Major League Soccer (MLS) didn’t experience a major increase in the average guaranteed compensation for all players. The average guaranteed compensation reached $528,928, marking an increase of only 2.7% from the previous year’s average of $514,728.
Over the last five years, the salaries for senior roster members who are not designated players have more than doubled. The fact that the MLS player salaries have substantially increased over the years showcases the growing prominence of the league.
Forwards: The Highest Paid
Forwards are the highest-paid players in the MLS with an average salary of $657, 285 followed by midfielders with $632,800. Then we have a big difference in salary when we moved to defenders and goalkeepers.
Defenders have an average salary of $345,767, while goalkeepers average $226,342. That’s a difference of $430,943 between forwards and goalkeepers!
This is only another proof that forwards and attacking players get paid the most in the sport because they score goals and win games. Not that defenders and goalkeepers don’t score goals either, but that’s not their primary function in the field.
Some people might argue defending is just as important as attacking, hence, arguing defenders and goalkeepers should get paid more, the reality is people love the spectacle of soccer, especially when players score goals and win titles.
Top 25 Highest-Paid MLS Players
The Major League Soccer (MLS) players’ salaries have been increasing over the years, with some players making millions of dollars per year. This section will focus on the highest-paid MLS players in 2023 based on guaranteed compensation.
Based on the MLS Players Salary table above, the top-earning player in 2023 is Chicago Fire FC midfielder Xherdan Shaqir, followed by Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne and by LA Galaxy’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
Here is a table showcasing the top 25 highest-paid MLS players in 2023:
Factors Affecting MLS Player Salaries
Designated Player
Having designated players in Major League Soccer (MLS) means that teams can sign up to three players whose salary exceeds the maximum cap. This allows teams to compete for star players in the international soccer market.
According to the roster rules and regulations of the MLS, each designated player will carry the maximum salary cap of $651,250, unless the player joins his club after the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window, in which case his budget charge will be $325,625.
Player Position
Different player positions often come with varying salaries in MLS. Typically, attacking players such as forwards and midfielders are paid higher due to their increased goal-scoring potential, while defenders and goalkeepers might earn comparatively less.
For instance, prestigious playmakers and forward MLS players command higher wages because of their role in impacting the outcome of games and attracting fans to the stadiums.
Experience and Performance
A player’s experience and performance level significantly affect their salary. Players with proven track records or more years of experience generally earn higher salaries.
Furthermore, individual and team achievements like winning awards, scoring goals, and team league standings can also increase a player’s value and salary in the MLS.
Club Budgets
The budgets of individual MLS clubs play a crucial role in determining player salaries. Some clubs have more financial resources and are willing to spend more on top talent, while smaller market teams often have to be more frugal when assembling their rosters.
As a result, clubs with higher budgets can afford to sign big-name players and offer competitive salaries, potentially raising the overall salary average for the league.
Comparison to Other Leagues
Although MLS has seen consistent growth in player salaries, there is a significant gap compared to other major soccer leagues. For example, the English Premier League (EPL) has a much higher average salary for players, with top players earning well above $10 million per year.
However, it is important to note that MLS has made strides in increasing player salaries, as evident in the growth of non-designated players’ average salaries. The league is actively working to become more competitive with other international leagues, both in terms of player compensation and on-field performance.
Wrapping Up
In the Major League Soccer, the average player’s salary is estimated to be around $528,983 per season. However, this figure may vary significantly based on individual player performance and team stature. Comparatively, MLS players earned an average of $514,728 in the previous year, which is not a significant increase.
Top earners in the MLS enjoy substantial salaries, yet there is a noticeable disparity when compared to average players. These stars often contribute significantly to their teams’ successes both on and off the field, attracting fans and driving ticket sales. Consequently, their higher wages are generally justified by their impact on overall club performance and revenue generation.
As the league continues to grow, it is anticipated that the salary floor and ceiling will rise. This increase will allow teams to attract more high-caliber talent, further solidifying the MLS’s position on the global soccer stage.
Therefore, keeping a keen eye on the league’s salary trends is essential for staying informed about its ongoing development and trajectory.
