Thursday, April 16, 2026

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

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

Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard Darius Garland (10) in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
exclusive

NBA Is in Talks With Kalshi and Polymarket

Discussions ramped up after the CFTC began engaging with leagues, sources say.

NFL Draft Week Brings Tension, Trade Rumors, Pittsburgh Frenzy

Trade talk grows while hotel rooms in Pittsburgh remain historically expensive.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.
Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Founders FFC quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws ball against Logan Paul of Wildcats FFC during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

Fanatics-Tom Brady Flag Football Deal With Saudis in Peril

The event is expected to continue with or without Saudi funding.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

French Open Will Allow Wearables Like Whoop on ‘Trial Basis’

The trial will extend to the US Open and Wimbledon.
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) throws to first against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park.
April 14, 2026

Alec Bohm’s Family Feud Heats Up As Parents Push Back

The third baseman claims his parents took advantage of him.
April 15, 2026

Sophia Wilson on Returning to Soccer With a Million-Dollar Deal

Wilson became the NWSL’s first million-dollar player this offseason.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.
April 14, 2026

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.
April 14, 2026

Valkyries GM Avoids Questions After Draft Trade: ‘I’m Exhausted’

Golden State traded Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle for two second-rounders.
April 13, 2026

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.
April 13, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Cracks Top 4 in Career Earnings Despite Loss

Jannik Sinner reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking.