AFL player salaries have reached unprecedented heights, with a record number of athletes earning over $1 million last year. This surge comes in the wake of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which has significantly boosted player earnings.
According to the Herald Sun, 58 players crossed the million-dollar threshold in the last season, more than doubling the 25 who achieved this milestone in 2024. Among the top earners were Richmond’s Tom Lynch and GWS’s Josh Kelly, both receiving back-ended salaries exceeding $1.6 million.
Impact of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
The increase in player salaries is closely tied to the 2023 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the AFL and the Players’ Association. This agreement allowed players to claim 31.7 percent of the league’s revenue, resulting in substantial pay raises across the board.
The average wage for an AFL-listed player increased by $46,518 year-on-year, rising from $459,173 to $505,691. This marks the first time the average salary has surpassed the half-million mark. To put this in perspective, the average salary was just $372,224 in 2021 and $226,165 in 2010.
Top Earners and Rising Stars
Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was among the four players who earned at least $1.4 million, alongside former Melbourne Demons Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, and St Kilda forward Max King, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.
Other notable millionaires include Carlton’s Patrick Cripps, Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, and captains from Adelaide and Port Adelaide, Jordan Dawson and Connor Rozee. Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage and Lachie Neale, as well as Sydney’s Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden, also joined this elite group.
“The AFL’s financial growth is clearly benefiting its players, with more athletes than ever before reaching millionaire status.”
Future Financial Projections
The trend of lucrative contracts is expected to continue into 2026. St Kilda is poised to offer substantial deals to stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Tom De Koning. Wanganeen-Milera signed a groundbreaking two-year contract worth $4 million, becoming the league’s first two-million-dollar man. Meanwhile, De Koning secured an eight-year free agency deal reportedly valued at $1.7 million annually.
As the free agency market heats up, Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters and Brisbane’s Zac Bailey are anticipated to receive significant offers. Butters is expected to command a contract worth over $2 million per season, while Essendon is reportedly preparing a $1.3 million-per-year offer for Bailey, a figure that could rise by October.
Looking Ahead
The AFL’s financial landscape continues to evolve, with player salaries reflecting the league’s robust revenue growth. As more players enter the million-dollar club, the dynamics within teams and the league as a whole are likely to shift. The ongoing negotiations and future CBAs will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of the AFL and its players.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these financial developments impact the game, both on and off the field.
