Friday, October 2, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Reborn USFL Offers Low But Egalitarian Salaries

  • Players on the active roster reportedly make $4,500 per game.
  • There are opportunities for bonuses, but the salaries are much lower than those of the NFL.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The USFL was reborn last weekend after three decades — and although the league’s salaries are no match for those in the NFL, they are more egalitarian. 

Each player makes $600 per week for training camp and $4,500 for being on the active roster during each game, according to USFL News. Practice squad players make $1,500 per game. 

While the regular-season “salary” for a player is less than $50,000, there are a few opportunities for bonuses.

Players can earn $850 per win and $10,000 if they win the championship, per CBS.

The numbers differ largely from some of the splashier, multimillion-dollar contracts offered during the USFL of yore — though in at least one case, the full contract reportedly wasn’t paid out. 

The NFL’s minimum salary, by contrast, is $705,000 this year, per Spotrac. 

The season consists of 10 weeks — with four games played each weekend. The season debut aired on Fox and NBC and drew a combined viewership of about 3 million.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; A tifo featuring images of
First at FOS

NFL, NFLPA Yet to Hold Real Talks on More Games Abroad

The CBA requires consultation with the union.

NFL Puts Pressure on Illinois in Latest Bears Stadium Talks

Roger Goodell and JB Pritzker had their first face-to-face meeting.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; A detailed view of the College Football Playoff logo on the pylon during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Exclusive Window Closes Next Week As 24-Team CFP Looms

The College Football Playoff has until Dec. 1 to expand for 2027.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Randy Levine on the Yankees’ $2.6B Apollo Deal and the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
September 27, 2026

U.S. Avoids Disaster With Biggest Presidents Cup Comeback Ever

Donald Trump was on hand a day after attending Texas-Tennessee.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 27, 2026

Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

Star wide receivers decided to keep their money.
First at FOS
September 24, 2026

Albert Pujols Says He Pursued MLB Ownership

The three-time MVP said his group was outbid for multiple franchises.
September 24, 2026

Draymond Green on LeBron’s Polymarket Deal: ‘I Think It’s Great’

James announced a partnership with Polymarket earlier this month.
September 22, 2026

Why Kerri Walsh Jennings Picked a Side in the Volleyball War

The Olympian co-owns the expansion team NorCal Rumble.