• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

How Much Do G League Players Make?

G League players earn different salaries depending on whether they are on assignment, signed to a two-way contract, or signed directly with the G League.

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung (0) competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

NBA players are well-known for their lucrative contracts, as the $1.2 million minimum salary ranks highest among the four major U.S. sports. But not all professional basketball players earn the wages reserved for the best of the best.

The G League is the NBA’s version of the minors, with players scraping for a chance to play in the NBA. Most G League players earn $40,500 during a five-month season if they aren’t on two-way contracts or assignments.

Even high-profile draft picks like Bronny James have played in the G League to develop their skills and gain valuable court time. 

James’s two-way contract will guarantee he will earn at least $578,600 as long as he plays in less than 50 games for the Lakers

Here are the average salary figures for NBA G League Players:

Salary: $40,500

Average pay per game: $810

Average minimum salary for two-way contract players: $578,576

Each NBA team has a max of three two-way players. Players who aren’t on two-way contracts are signed directly to the G League. This allows any NBA team the opportunity to sign them if interested at any point during the season. 

When an NBA team assigns a player to the G League, the player is on an NBA contract and that team has exclusive rights to recall that player at any time. 

G League Ignite and the impact of NIL

G League Ignite was formed in 2019 to allow top prospects to develop and earn decent salaries. Former G League talents such as Jalen Green and Scoot Henderson earned $500,000 a year before they were drafted into the NBA. 

The introduction of NIL into college sports and competition from upstart leagues such as Overtime Elite made it difficult to justify its existence. Last March, G League Ignite announced it was ending its operations. 

Taking advantage of opportunities

G League players who aren’t top prospects, two-way players, or on assignment still have the chance to make it to the NBA. Each season, NBA teams call up standout players from the G League when roster spots open to injury or otherwise. 

A unique example of a G League player capitalizing on opportunities in the NBA is Mac McClung. The three-time dunk champion made history at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, but he’s only played in five career NBA games.

McClung has more than doubled his career earnings by winning the dunk contests and earned recognition around the NBA while mainly playing in the G League.

According to the G League, more than 30 players have been signed to an NBA contract in each of the past nine seasons. 

Players who earn full contracts will increase their salaries by at least 30 times depending on their years of experience and value to the NBA team. 

G League Players FAQ

  • How much do the G League players get paid?
    • Players signed directly with the G League earn $40,500 annually. Players on a two-way contract or on assignment are signed to NBA contracts and can earn many different salaries. Rookies drafted by an NBA team and then assigned to the G League on two-way contracts earn a minimum of $578,576.
  • What is the lowest NBA salary?
    • The minimum salary for an NBA player for the 2024-2025 season is $1,157,153. 
  • How often do G League players make it to the NBA?
    • In each of the past nine seasons, at least 30 players have been called up to an NBA team. For the 2023-2024 season, a record 50% of players on NBA rosters had G League experience.
  • Can you go from the G League to the NBA?
    • Yes, G League players have the opportunity to make it to the NBA. Players who had never been drafted to an NBA team but played in the G League and made it to the NBA include Alex Caruso and Duncan Robinson.  

The data was compiled from NBA G League, Spotrac, Sports Illustrated, and NBC Sports LA.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.
July 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 10, 2025

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
July 10, 2025

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Final, Clinches $2M

The American’s Wimbledon run will continue with her first major final.