AFL Player Salaries Skyrocket: Million-Dollar Club Swells as Average Wage Breaks $500k Barrier
The Australian Football League (AFL) has seen a dramatic surge in player remuneration, with the number of players earning over $1 million annually more than doubling in the past year. This significant financial shift is underscored by the average player wage cracking the half-million-dollar mark for the first time, reaching $505,961.
These eye-watering figures, released by the AFL, come in the wake of a public disagreement concerning player salaries, notably between dual Brisbane premiership coach Chris Fagan and the St Kilda Football Club. Fagan had publicly questioned the substantial sums the Saints reportedly paid to secure young talent Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and recruit Tom De Koning from Carlton late last year. His sentiment was that the league’s most elite players should be the ones commanding such hefty contracts.
St Kilda, known for its active approach during the trade period, saw its chief executive, Carl Dilena, respond to Fagan’s criticisms, a sentiment echoed by Saints legend Nick Riewoldt. While the specific details of the new deals for Wanganeen-Milera and De Koning will be reflected in next year’s financial reporting, the recently released player payment data clearly illustrates a persistent upward trend in player earnings across the league.
The data reveals a substantial increase in the number of high-earning players:
- Players earning at least $1.2 million annually: This elite group has grown to 22 players, a notable jump from the 20 players recorded in 2023.
- Top earners: Two players are now commanding salaries of at least $1.6 million, a figure that represents half the number of players in this bracket compared to 2023.
- The $1 million club: The most significant surge has occurred within the $1 million bracket. After an increase from 19 to 25 players between 2023 and 2024, this group has exploded to a staggering 58 players in the past year.
The overall financial health of the AFL also appears robust, with the league reporting another profit boost. Its underlying operating surplus has jumped to $67 million, an impressive increase of $22.5 million.
Outgoing AFL chairman Richard Goyder expressed his satisfaction with the league’s financial performance, describing the past year as “one of our biggest years on record.”
However, beneath the surface of these impressive financial figures, there are growing murmurs of disquiet regarding the broader governance of the game. The past few months have seen several changes within the AFL executive ranks, with former club bosses Greg Swann and Tom Harley being brought in to fill crucial leadership roles.
In terms of executive remuneration, total payments to AFL executives amounted to $10.7 million. This represents a slight decrease of $100,000 compared to the $13.6 million figure reported in 2023. No individual salary details for these executives were disclosed.
The league is also preparing for a significant leadership transition. Craig Drummond is widely anticipated to be confirmed as the AFL’s next chairman, succeeding Richard Goyder. This confirmation is expected next month at the league’s annual general meeting.
Key Financial Takeaways:
- Average Player Wage: $505,961 (first time exceeding $500,000)
- Total Player Payments Per Club: $17.8 million (up from $15.8 million)
- Players Earning $1.2M+: 22 (up from 20 in 2023)
- Players Earning $1M+: 58 (significant increase from previous years)
- AFL Operating Surplus: $67 million (up $22.5 million)
- Total Executive Payments: $10.7 million (down $100,000 from 2023)
These figures highlight a period of unprecedented financial growth within the AFL, particularly for its playing cohort. While this signifies a healthy revenue stream, the league faces ongoing discussions about player distribution of wealth and its overall strategic direction.
