What is the Average Salary in the MLS?
When you hear about soccer salaries, you’re likely picturing European giants with mammoth paychecks. But, did you know that Major League Soccer (MLS) has been making significant waves in the sports salary arena? So, how much do MLS players make? Hold on to your soccer boots because the average MLS salary for 2023 might surprise you!
It’s crazy how fast these numbers are changing and how much they have increased with just a couple of deals. This article was based on the MLS Salary Guide released on April 30, 2023. Since then, there have been a couple of significant contracts.
Recent Significant Contracts Impact Average MLS Salary
Lionel Messi Salary
In July 2023, Messi signed a contract worth $54,000,000 in salary with Inter Miami, making Inter Miami the highest-paid club in MLS. The team’s new annual payroll is $80,353,896.
Sergio Busquets Salary
In July 2023, Busquets followed Messi to Inter Miami with a price tag of $10,000,000, making him now the second highest-paid player in the MLS.
These new players will significantly impact the average MLS player salary this season, especially for the Inter Miami Club.
So, How Much Is the Average MLS Players Salary, Really?
You’re here for the numbers, and here they are! As of 2023, the average MLS salary has been reported at a whopping $530,262. That’s a rise of 3.5% from 2022, when players were raking in an average of $512,287. Let’s put on our analytical hats and see what’s behind this growth.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Top Earners: Grabbing headlines, Xherdan Shaqiri is the top earner, pocketing an astonishing $8,153,0001. With other big names like Insigne and Bernardeschi, it’s no surprise that clubs are willing to loosen their purse strings for top talent.
- Spending Galore: Speaking of teams, Toronto FC leads the charge with the highest expenditure, spending $25,741,930. In comparison, CF Montréal is at the lower spectrum, with an allocation of $10,511,9261. Money and performance don’t always go hand-in-hand in soccer; only two of the top spenders made it above the playoffs. Who knew, right?
- The Average Joe: Not everyone’s a superstar. But even the so-called “average” player is earning around $345,867, with some even pocketing the league minimum of $63,457. But hey, that’s still not shabby, considering the growth potential in MLS.
A Global Perspective on MLS Player Salaries
While MLS salaries might seem significant, it’s essential to see how they stack up globally. MLS salaries are a tad lower compared to giants like the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
However, they do edge out the NHL. The beauty of MLS is its rapid growth, coupled with global soccer’s vast popularity. With the US Men’s National Team achieving success and the league investing in top-notch players and stadiums, the MLS star is undoubtedly on the rise.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Soccer Players
Dreaming of the MLS? Here’s what you need to know:
- Location, Location, Location: Your potential earning can change depending on where you play. Cities like San Buenaventura and Sunnyvale, CA offer above-average MLS player salaries3.
- Skill Matters: Aside from Bonuses and endorsem*nts, your field performance will significantly influence your paycheck. Players with higher skills, better on-field performance, and more popularity earn more.
- Keep Learning: Understand the diverse compensation structures, such as performance-based bonuses. Real stories and negotiation tips can help boost your earnings. Keep an ear to the ground.
Wrapping Up The MLS Salary Conversation
In the grand scheme of things, the average MLS salary reflects the league’s explosive growth, evolving financial dynamics, and the sheer value placed on players. With soccer’s rising popularity in the US, improved league quality, and the achievements of the US Men’s National Team, there’s no ceiling in sight. MLS is on a trajectory for greatness.
So, if you’re a budding soccer player or just a curious cat, keep an eye on MLS. There’s a lot more to come! Messi will likely not be the last crazy DP (Designated Player) deal.
| Team | Average Annual Salary | Yearly Wage Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Toronto FC | $928,477 | $26,925,850 |
| 2. Houston Dynamo | $757,700 | $14,265,000 |
| 3. FC Cincinnati | $685,600 | $12,335,000 |
| 4. Austin FC | $619,700 | $13,267,000 |
| 5. LA Galaxy | $581,250 | $14,544,000 |
| 6. Chicago Fire FC | $573,800 | $18,284,000 |
| 7. St. Louis City SC | $458,400 | $8,718,000 |
| 8. Atlanta United FC | $452,500 | $9,507,000 |
| 9. Portland Timbers | $421,250 | $11,780,000 |
| 10. Los Angeles FC | $387,250 | $9,294,000 |
| 11. Columbus Crew SC | $385,388 | $10,405,500 |
| 12. New York City FC | $384,500 | $9,588,000 |
| 13. Sporting KC | $369,250 | $9,971,000 |
| 14. Seattle Sounders FC | $367,500 | $9,178,500 |
| 15. New England Revolution | $366,500 | $9,529,000 |
| 16. Orlando City SC | $339,925 | $8,838,000 |
| 17. Charlotte FC | $314,600 | $5,978,000 |
| 18. San Jose Earthquakes | $288,050 | $8,642,000 |
| 19. Real Salt Lake | $287,800 | $8,634,000 |
| 20. Philadelphia Union | $261,200 | $6,525,000 |
| 21. New York Red Bulls | $242,250 | $6,783,000 |
| 22. Inter Miami CF | $240,000 | $6,487,000 |
| 23. Minnesota United FC | $238,560 | $5,750,000 |
| 24. Colorado Rapids | $230,925 | $6,235,000 |
| 25. Montreal Impact | $230,250 | $6,645,000 |
| 26. FC Dallas | $225,750 | $5,192,000 |
| 27. DC United | $219,400 | $5,924,500 |
| 28. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | $187,300 | $5,432,000 |
| 29. Nashville SC | $168,300 | $5,050,000 |
Click on a team name to read more about each player’s salary in that specific team.
Player Salaries – Western & Eastern Conference
Here are the player salaries in the MLS, divided and ranked by the conference.
Western Conference
| Team | Average MLS Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1. Houston Dynamo | $757,700 |
| 2. Austin FC | $619,700 |
| 3. LA Galaxy | $581,250 |
| 4. St. Louis City SC | $458,400 |
| 5. Portland Timbers | $421,250 |
| 6. Colombus Crew | $385,388 |
| 7. Sporting KC | $369,250 |
| 8. Seattle Sounders FC | $367,500 |
| 9. San Jose Earthquakes | $288,050 |
| 10. Real Salt Lake | $287,800 |
| 11. Minnesota United FC | $238,560 |
| 12. Colorado Rapids | $230,925 |
| 13. FC Dallas | $225,750 |
| 14. Vancouver Whitecaps | $187,300 |
| 15. Nashville SC | $168,300 |
Eastern Conference
| Team | Average MLS Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1. Toronto FC | $928,477 |
| 2. FC Cincinnati | $685,600 |
| 3. Chicago Fire FC | $573,800 |
| 4. Atlanta United | $452,500 |
| 5. Los Angeles FC | $387,250 |
| 6. New York City FC | $384,500 |
| 7. New England Revolution | $366,500 |
| 8. Orlando City SC | $339,925 |
| 9. Charlotte FC | $314,600 |
| 10. Philadelphia Union | $261,200 |
| 11. New York Red Bulls | $242,250 |
| 12. Inter Miami CF | $240,000 |
| 13. Montreal Impact | $230,250 |
| 14. DC United | $219,400 |
Highest-Paid MLS Players
The pay gap in the MLS is enormous; here are the 5 highest-paid players in the MLS as of April 30, 2023. (Especially since Messi is now at $54,000,000.) Messi and Busquets were both signed in July 2023 to Inter Miami.
5. Sebastián Driussi – $6,022,500
- Club: Inter Miami CF
4. Federico Bernardeschi – $6,295,381
- Club: Austin FC
3. Javier Hernandez – $7,443,000
- Club: LA Galaxy
2. Lorenzo Insigne – $7,500,000
- Club: Toronto FC
1. Xherdan Shaqiri – $8,150,000
- Club: Chicago Fire FC
Player salaries in other top leagues:
- La Liga Salary
- Serie A Salary
- Ligue 1 Salary
- Premier League Salary
- Bundesliga Salary
