The UFL games for the 2024 season of the spring football league kicked off this weekend, and a new report on the pay rates for players showed the league’s athletes are not putting their bodies on the line for big money.
With the NFL and college football seasons long finished, it is that time of year when football fans looking to scratch the itch for more gridiron action can be satisfied with the current sports fad of spring pro football. This time last year, fans had options with the USFL and XFL. However, things have changed in 2024.
Related: UFL games today – Get everything you need to know about the upcoming UFL schedule
Late last year it was announced that after not having much individual success, the USFL and XFL decided to combine their powers and merge into one league. The merger birthed the restart of the defunct UFL and the first season of the returning league begins this weekend.
After poor returns in television ratings and attendance, the merged league is sure to be operating on a tight budget and an example of that was revealed ahead of Week 1. On Saturday, The Mirror reported players on the league’s eight franchises will be making $5000 per game. If they play in all 10 UFL games that adds up to a $50,000 regular season payout. In comparison, the average pay for NFL players per game is reportedly $860,000.
UFL games in 2024 earn players $5,000 a piece
The $5,000 game check is actually a raise of $200 from last season. For inactive players on the roster, they only make $2,500. However, there are bonuses for impressive play as the league will hand out a $100 Player of the Week check, and the 2024 UFL MVP will land that player a $7,500 reward. UFL players have also been given more security with a $250,000 severance fund.
Furthermore, athletes get a $1,600 monthly housing stipend to pay for living expenses in the city where their team resides.
Related: UFL rules – Get all the details on the rules for the returning spring football league
So for the player that wins MVP, and possibly gets a few player of the week awards, they will earn a regular season payout from the UFL of over $73,000. Which is a shocking number compared to the tens of millions an MVP in the NFL is sure to be making.
For almost every player in the UFL, the goal is to extend their pro football careers and hopefully prove themselves to NFL scouts before the 2024 season.