The NBA G League, also known as the minor league of the National Basketball Association (NBA), is the top domestic professional basketball league in the United States. In addition, it serves as a developmental league for the NBA, allowing young players to play against near NBA talent and gain confidence playing at a high level. But how much do G League players make?
In this article, we will dive into the different types of contracts available to G League players, as well as explore the salaries of G League players and factors that affect their compensation.
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Types of Contracts Available to G League Players
Several types of contracts are available to G League players, each with its own set of terms and compensation. The most common contract is the standard player contract. This one-year contract pays a minimum salary of $35,000 for rookies and $7,000 monthly for players with more than one year of experience.
Two-way contracts are also available, allowing players to split their time between their G League and the NBA teams they are affiliated with. Players on two-way contracts can spend up to 45 days on their NBA team’s roster, where they are paid a prorated portion of the NBA rookie minimum salary. In addition, they are paid a G League salary when joining their team.
Exhibit 10 contracts are another option for G League players. These are one-year, non-guaranteed contracts with a minimum salary of $35,000. However, they also allow for bonuses of up to $50,000 if the player is waived and then signs with the G League affiliate of an NBA team.
How Much Do G League Players Make?
The average G League salary for the 2020-2021 season was $35,000, the same as the minimum salary for a standard player contract. However, salaries can vary widely depending on experience level and other factors. For example, players on two-way contracts can earn significantly more than those on standard player contracts if they spend significant time on their NBA team’s roster.
The lowest G League salary is $7,000 per month, the minimum for players with more than one year of experience. Rookies are paid a minimum salary of $35,000 per year.
The highest-paid G League player is London Johnson, who earned seven figures on a select contract with the Houston Rockets G League affiliate. However, this is an exception, as most G League players earn much less than that.
Factors Affecting G League Salaries
Several factors can affect the salaries of G League players. Experience level is one of the most significant factors, with rookies earning the minimum salary of $35,000 and players with more experience making more.
Performance and skill level are also important, as players who perform well and show potential for future success may earn more than those who struggle or do not stand out.
Other factors affecting G League salaries include team location and market size. For example, players on teams in larger cities with more extensive fan bases may earn more than those on teams in smaller markets.
Additionally, G League drafted players may earn more than undrafted players, as they have the advantage of being selected by an NBA team and having their draft rights held by that team.
Call-up compensation is also a factor to consider. G League players who are called up to an NBA team are paid a prorated portion of the NBA rookie minimum salary for the time they spend on the NBA roster. This can significantly increase their overall earnings for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the highest-paid G League player?
London Johnson is the highest-paid G League player, reportedly earning seven figures on a select contract with the Houston Rockets G League affiliate. However, it’s important to note that this is an exception, and most G League players earn significantly less than that.
What is the salary of the lowest-paid NBA player?
The salary of the lowest-paid NBA player varies based on several factors, such as experience level and contract type. For example, for the 2021-2022 season, the minimum salary for a rookie is $925,258, while the minimum salary for a player with more than two years of experience is $1,669,178.
How much does it cost to try out for the G League?
The cost of trying out for the G League varies depending on the team and location. Some teams may charge a fee for tryouts, while others may not. In general, costs can range from around $150 to $250. However, some players may receive a waiver of the tryout fee if they are invited to participate by the team.
What is the value of a 10-day contract in the G League?
The value of a 10-day contract in the G League varies based on experience level.
For the 2021-2022 season, players with no prior NBA experience are paid $9,250 for a 10-day contract, while players with previous NBA experience are paid $13,750.
How frequently do G League players make it to the NBA?
The frequency of G League players making it to the NBA varies, but it is common for G League players to receive call-ups to the NBA. For example, in the 2020-2021 season, over 60 G League players received call-ups to the NBA.
Is the G League profitable as a league?
It’s difficult to determine the profitability of the G League as a league, as financial information is not publicly available.
However, the league has seen significant growth and investment in recent years, with more teams, higher salaries, and increased exposure through media partnerships.
What was Mac McClung’s salary in the G League?
Mac McClung signed with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, for the 2021-2022 season. As a rookie, he likely earned the minimum G League salary of $35,000.
How much does Zaire Wade make in the G League?
Zaire Wade, the son of NBA legend Dwyane Wade, signed with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, for the 2021-2022 season. It’s unclear how much he earns, but as a rookie, he likely earned the minimum G League salary of $35,000.
How much do G League players earn when called up to the NBA?
When G League players are called up to the NBA, they are paid a prorated portion of the NBA rookie minimum salary for the time they spend on the NBA roster.
The NBA rookie minimum salary for the 2021-2022 season is $925,258.
What is the minimum salary for G League players?
The minimum salary for G League players varies based on experience level. For the 2021-2022 season, rookies are paid a minimum salary of $35,000, while players with more experience are paid at least $7,500 monthly.
What is Jalen Green’s salary in the G League?
Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, signed a one-year contract with the NBA G League Ignite for the 2020-2021 season.
It’s not clear how much he earned. Still, he likely made significantly more than the average G League salary due to his status as a highly touted draft prospect.
Key Takeaway
G League salaries vary widely depending on experience level, performance, and other factors. The average salary for G League players is $35,000 per year. Still, some players earn significantly more than that through two-way contracts, Exhibit 10 contracts, select contracts, and call-up compensation.
While G League salaries are much lower than those of NBA players (especially someone like LeBron James or Michael Jordan), the league provides valuable opportunities for young players to develop their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster.
It’s important to note that G League salaries are not the only compensation available to players. For example, some G League players may have the opportunity to earn bonuses, such as the Exhibit 10 contract bonus mentioned earlier, and some may receive housing, transportation, and other benefits from their teams.
Furthermore, playing in the G League can be a stepping stone for many NBA teams. Many former G League players have gone on to play in the NBA, and some have even become stars in the league.
The G League also serves as a platform for international prospects to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster.
In conclusion, while G League salaries may not be as high as those of NBA players, they still provide a valuable opportunity for professional athletes to develop their skills and earn a spot on an NBA roster.
By understanding the types of contracts available, the average NBA G League salary, and the factors that affect their compensation, aspiring professional basketball players can make informed decisions about their career paths and potential earnings.