How Much Do Professional Lacrosse Players Make?

While lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., its professional scene still operates on a smaller scale compared to other major leagues. Most pro players earn income across multiple streams, and understanding how much they make starts with knowing how each league is structured. Here's a breakdown of where players compete and how those opportunities vary.

Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)

The Premier Lacrosse League has become the face of outdoor pro lacrosse in the U.S. since its launch in 2019. Unlike city-based leagues, the PLL uses a tour-based model, traveling to different markets throughout the season. This setup gives each team national exposure and maximizes fan engagement across regions.

Thanks to its media partnership with ESPN, the PLL now reaches millions of viewers annually, with reported audience growth of over 30% between 2022 and 2023 (source: ESPN/PLL partnership updates). That visibility has helped elevate player salaries and off-field opportunities.

Each PLL athlete signs a contract that includes:

• A base salary (typically $25,000–$35,000 per year)

• Paid housing and travel

• Equity shares (for early-year signees)

• Performance bonuses and appearance fees

The PLL model prioritizes media exposure, sponsorship integration, and player branding, making it the most visible and commercially progressive league in the sport.

National Lacrosse League (NLL)

The NLL represents the top level of box lacrosse, an indoor variant of the sport with its own style and rules. Founded in 1986, it's the most established professional lacrosse league globally, with teams across both the U.S. and Canada.

NLL players typically compete in the winter season, which allows some athletes to play both in the PLL (summer) and NLL (winter). However, NLL salaries are often lower, ranging between $10,000 and $30,000 per season, with some veterans earning more. Players also receive per-game bonuses, but most hold outside jobs to supplement their income.

Despite its smaller salaries, the NLL offers high-level competition, loyal fanbases, and a solid foundation for players who thrive in the faster, tighter format of box lacrosse.

Other Leagues: Athletes Unlimited & International Opportunities

Outside the PLL and NLL, players can also compete in leagues like Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse, a women’s pro league that runs a player-led, points-based competition. Though newer, it’s gained attention through ESPN coverage and its unique format, where teams change weekly and players earn points individually.

Internationally, leagues in Canada, England, Germany, and Australia offer part-time contracts, often with lower pay but valuable travel and playing experience. Compensation varies widely, depending on league tier and funding, and many overseas leagues provide housing or stipends instead of direct salary.

While these leagues may not offer full-time earnings, they provide competitive platforms for players developing their careers or staying active in the offseason.

Average Salary of Professional Lacrosse Players

While lacrosse continues to grow in participation and viewership, professional salaries remain modest compared to other major sports. Most players don’t rely solely on their league contracts and often combine income streams to make a viable career. Salary tiers vary widely, depending on league, experience, and marketability.

PLL Salaries

The Premier Lacrosse League has taken steps to professionalize athlete compensation. As of the most recent reports, most PLL players earn between $25,000 and $35,000 annually from their base contracts (source: Sportico, 2023). That figure doesn’t reflect additional income from:

• Game appearance bonuses

• Travel and housing stipends

• Playoff and All-Star incentives

• Endorsement deals

• Performance-based equity (for early signees)

Top draft picks and star players can earn significantly more once off-field deals are factored in. For example, athletes with strong personal brands often partner with lacrosse equipment or lacrosse apparel companies, adding thousands in annual income.

NLL Salaries

In the National Lacrosse League, compensation is structured differently. NLL athletes earn between $10,000 and $30,000 per season, depending on tenure and contract structure. Some veterans can earn more through team incentives, game bonuses, and individual accolades.

Each NLL season runs from December through spring, allowing some players to also compete in the PLL or coach in the offseason. But because of the lower pay scale, many NLL players maintain full-time or part-time jobs in education, sales, or public safety while pursuing their athletic careers.

Highest-Paid Lacrosse Players

A small group of professional players has reached six-figure income levels—but not solely through league salaries.

• Paul Rabil, co-founder of the PLL, previously signed one of the largest endorsement portfolios in lacrosse history. His off-field ventures include media appearances, sponsorships, and business investments.

• Lyle Thompson, one of the most respected players in both field and box formats, has earned deals with major brands like Nike and Thompson Brothers Lacrosse.

• Trevor Baptiste, a faceoff specialist and PLL All-Star, has grown his income through coaching, product endorsements, and media opportunities.

While exact numbers aren't publicly disclosed, top-tier athletes can approach or exceed $100,000 per year when combining league pay with personal branding and business efforts.

Other Sources of Income for Pro Lacrosse Players

A professional lacrosse salary alone rarely covers the full cost of living. Even top-tier players rely on multiple revenue streams to turn the sport into a sustainable career. From brand deals to coaching and content creation, off-field opportunities are just as important as game-day contracts.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Top players often partner with brands across equipment, nutrition, apparel, and lifestyle categories. These sponsorships range from free gear and small bonuses to annual deals worth $10,000–$50,000+ for highly visible athletes. A few names—like Paul Rabil or Charlotte North, have landed national campaigns or co-launched product lines.

Common endorsement categories:

• Lacrosse heads, shafts, and gloves

• Performance apparel and cleats

• Recovery gear and supplements

• Lifestyle and media partnerships

Brand alignment matters. Companies want players who are active on social media, engage with fans, and maintain a strong personal identity on and off the field.

Coaching, Camps, and Clinics

Many players spend their offseasons running private sessions, team clinics, or full-day camps. This income stream isn’t just for extra cash—it’s often one of the most consistent ways to earn.

Depending on location, experience, and demand, players can charge:

• $50–$150/hour for private lessons

• $200–$500 per player for weekend clinics

• Up to $10,000+ for running multi-day camps with sponsors or partnerships

In addition to youth programs, some players also coach at high schools or colleges, further anchoring their careers within the sport.

Content Creation & NIL Opportunities

Younger players and recent college grads are increasingly turning to content platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Creating instructional videos, game breakdowns, or lifestyle content helps grow a fanbase, and opens new revenue.

Those with strong personal brands monetize in several ways:

• Creator funds (YouTube ads, TikTok payouts)

• Brand collaborations

• Merchandise sales

• Paid subscription content or training programs

College athletes can also profit under Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, often launching early partnerships before turning pro.

Whether teaching the next generation or building an online presence, many pro lacrosse players make strategic use of their time off the field. These income streams help bridge the gap between passion and profession—something the next section will put in context with other major sports.

How Lacrosse Salaries Compare to Other Pro Sports

Lacrosse is growing fast, but when it comes to player salaries, the gap between lacrosse and major league sports is wide. For readers wondering how a professional lacrosse player salary stacks up, here’s a clear breakdown:

This contrast explains why most pro lacrosse players don’t rely solely on league salaries. Additional income, from brand deals, clinics, or content, often determines whether they can make lacrosse their full-time career.

Future of Professional Lacrosse Salaries

Professional lacrosse remains on the upswing, and salaries are likely to follow. In recent years, multiple factors have positioned the sport for long-term financial growth.

Viewership is steadily climbing. According to ESPN, the 2023 PLL Championship drew 455,000 viewers, a 34% increase from the year prior. Youth participation is also growing fast, with over 850,000 players across the U.S. in 2022, per US Lacrosse.

The league’s media partnerships play a major role. ESPN broadcasts every PLL game, while the NLL renewed a multiyear deal with TSN and CBS Sports. That kind of mainstream exposure helps drive new fan interest, leading to better sponsorships, higher ticket sales, and greater brand investment.

Private funding is accelerating too. Since its launch in 2018, the PLL has raised tens of millions in venture capital from firms like The Chernin Group, boosting marketing, player development, and long-term infrastructure. More investment translates into better athlete compensation over time.

As the sport expands internationally and gains Olympic consideration, new revenue streams could shift player salaries closer to mid-tier pro leagues.

Final Thoughts: Is Pro Lacrosse a Viable Career?

For most athletes, professional lacrosse won’t replace a six-figure salary anytime soon. But it offers something different, flexibility, creative income options, and a growing platform.

Players who coach, create content, and build personal brands can build a sustainable lifestyle around the sport. With expanding leagues, rising visibility, and new corporate backing, the future looks more promising than ever.

Those who commit early, diversify their income, and stay active in the lacrosse community have a real shot at making the game their long-term career.

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