How much do MLS players make?

The Major League Soccer, also known as MLS, is a league experiencing significant growth, attracting more European players and notable people who are investing their money in MLS teams. As mentioned in our previous article, Celebrities are putting their money into the MLS due to the league's ability to generate high revenues and personal branding. However, when it comes to salaries, MLS players typically earn less compared to other top leagues. This is why the league is working to attract global soccer superstars, aiming to boost revenue and create opportunities for higher wages.

Recent statistics rank MLS among the top 10 highest-earning leagues, with clubs making significant efforts to increase players' annual wages. Global superstars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez have all moved to the MLS in recent years, reflecting the clubs' commitment to offering competitive salaries to improve the league's quality and attract more soccer fans worldwide.

Average yearly earnings in the MLS

Average yearly earnings in the MLS have increased significantly in recent years, with efforts from all involved aimed at making the league more appealing for players to join and fans to enjoy high-quality soccer. Currently, the average annual salary for an MLS player is between $500,000 and $700,000. While these numbers don’t place MLS among the highest-paying leagues globally, they also ensure it remains far from the bottom.

The first MLS league was played in 1996 with ten teams, and players earned a significant lower amount then today. Salaries have increased drastically, especially after global superstar David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007, which took the MLS by storm. Beckham's arrival, alongside his unique contract, marked a turning point for MLS, sparking wage growth and greater attention to the league. Today, the Average yearly amount of $500,000 and $700,000 is considered competitive, especially for a league that is still growing. Clubs continue making significant efforts to attract European players to improve the league’s quality and global attention.

Average Salary Then and Now

When the league started in 1996, players were earning around $200,000 a year. At the time, this was considered a decent amount for a newly established league, especially since it didn’t feature any major stars. Today, the average salary has more than doubled, reflecting the MLS's significant progress in player wages. However, most of the players in the MLS remain relatively unknown, which helps explain the current salary levels. At least, we are seeing steady progress in wages, which are expected to continue increasing the coming years.

Highest Earners in the MLS

Player salaries in the MLS have increased significantly in recent years, with clubs putting in maximum effort to attract established European players to strengthen their squads. Inter Miami has made considerable investments to bring in global superstars, in order to improve the team and the level of the MLS. Let’s take a closer look at the top three current highest earners in the MLS.

Image Credits: Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, becoming the leading highest-paid player in MLS. Messi earns a staggering $20.5M annually, setting a league record that surpasses all other players. While this amount is lower than what he earned at PSG, it marks a historic milestone for the MLS.

Lorenzo Insigne

Former Napoli star, Lorenzo Insigne is currently sitting in 2nd place as the highest current earner in the MLS, after joining Toronto FC in 2022. Insigne earns $15.4M a year, placing him among the league's all-time top earners. Insigne scored a total of 18 goals since joining from Napoli, with the club hoping to replicate his form again this year.

Sergio Busquets

Former Barcelona and Spain star Sergio Busquets joined Inter Miami in 2023, reuniting with his former team mate, Lionel Messi. Busquets currently around $8.8M a year, making him also one of the highest earners in MLS history. Inter Miami's ambition has always been to attract players of Busquets' caliber to compete for silverware.

Lowest Earners in the MLS

Unfortunately, like in every other league, some players in the MLS are earning way below the average salary. The typical lowest salary in the MLS ranges between $70,000 and $75,000 annually. On a positive note, this salary structure benefits young players in the reserves or those occupying the 25-30 roster spots. For players to be eligible to earn this money, players must be over 24 years or considered part of the senior team. The MLS aims to guarantee that players earn fair wages to have a stable living from their professional soccer careers. Now, let’s take a look at the current lowest three earners in the MLS.

Jordan Adebayo Smith

Jordan Adebayo Smith is currently the lowest earner amongst other players in the MLS. He earns a low amount of $68,300, one of the lowest wages in Soccer. Smith currently plays for Minnesota United, with his position being as a striker.

Cole Jensen

Cole Jensen is a goalkeeper for Inter Miami, earning $68,300 a year. As a young player, he is steadily climbing through the ranks and improving. He was selected for the 2022 roster alongside other promising players.

Malik Pinto

Malik Pinto is a young American midfielder who plays for FC Cincinnati. Earning $68,300 a year, Pinto's salary is a decent starting point for his career as he continues to climb through the ranks. He signed his professional contract in 2023 after being scouted from the club's academy.

Image Credits: FC Cincinnati

Conclusion

Overall, the MLS is a league that continues to grow year by year. Its expansion is attracting global superstars, with each passing season marking significant progress. Messi's recent addition has improved wage standards, with investors and owners making every effort to increase players' earnings, ensuring better living standards and competitiveness with top European teams.

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