The average XFL player salary is approximately $59,000 per season. Players earn $5,000 per game with a $1,000 bonus for each win, and many receive training camp stipends and housing. Top-tier players and quarterbacks may earn higher salaries through individual contracts or team incentives.
What Do XFL Players Really Make? Salary Breakdown, Bonuses & FAQs
If you’ve ever watched an XFL game and wondered, “How much do these guys actually get paid?” — you’re not alone. The answer? Roughly $59,000 per season, but that’s just the starting point. Between per-game pay, win bonuses, training camp stipends, and covered housing, XFL players can take home up to $70,000 or more depending on performance and role.
Let’s break it down, simply and clearly — no fluff, just the numbers and what they actually mean.
XFL Salaries at a Glance: The Basics
Every XFL player on the active roster earns:
- $5,000 for each game
- A $1,000 bonus for every win
- $800 per week during training camp
- $1,500 per game if inactive (still eligible for the win bonus)
On top of that, there’s a solid benefits package worth around $20,000 that includes:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Housing
- Two meals per day
All of this adds up to an average XFL player salary between $60,000 and $70,000 per season, depending on how many games they win, whether they stay active, and if they make it through the full season.
Salary Chart: Here’s What the Numbers Look Like
| Category | Amount/Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $59,000 per season |
| Per-Game Salary | $5,000 per game |
| Win Bonus | $1,000 per win |
| Training Camp Pay | $800 per week (5 weeks) |
| Inactive Player Pay | $1,500 per game (plus win bonus) |
| Benefits Package | Estimated at $20,000 (includes health, dental, vision, housing, and meals) |
| Average Total Salary | $60,000–$70,000 (with bonuses and benefits) |
| Top Earner (2023) | Brett Hundley: $200,000 |
| Average Hourly Rate | $42.29 (range: $19.23–$57.69) |
| Average Annual (Est.) | $60,000–$88,000 (varies by bonuses, benefits, and reported figures) |
| Playoff/Championship Pay | Not officially disclosed; likely similar to regular per-game and win bonuses |
Big Names, Bigger Checks: Who Gets Paid the Most?
Let’s be real — not everyone’s making six figures in the XFL. But there are exceptions.
Quarterbacks and former NFL players sometimes sign bigger deals. For example, Brett Hundley (Vegas Vipers) pulled in a whopping $200,000 in 2023. That’s over 3x the average.
But those deals are rare.
Most contracts are standardized across the league. That means a starting linebacker makes the same as a kicker, receiver, or backup QB — unless you’re a high-profile player with bargaining power.
So while NFL head coaches are handing out millions to top-tier NFL superstars, the XFL is more about opportunity and development than headline-grabbing paychecks.
XFL vs. NFL Salaries: A Massive Gap
The NFL’s minimum salary in 2025 is over $800,000. That’s more than 10 times what an average XFL player makes. But here’s the thing: most XFL players are here to prove themselves, stay in game shape during the NFL offseason, or bounce back from injuries.
| League | Average Salary | Season Length | Games Played | Top Salaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XFL | $59,000–$70,000 | 10 weeks | 10+ | $200,000 (Brett Hundley) |
| NFL | $2.7 million (average) | 18 weeks | 17+ | $40M+ (top QBs) |
Still, the XFL season gives players a legit chance to show out on ESPN, earn a roster spot, and get seen by teams like the New Orleans Saints, San Antonio Brahmas, or even be picked up during the NFL Draft.
Training Camp & Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck
Players don’t just show up and play games. Before Week 1 even kicks off, they’re grinding through a 5-week training camp, earning $800 per week, plus:
- Free housing near stadiums like Cashman Field, Audi Field, or America’s Center
- Two meals daily, often team-provided
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Support for travel and relocation
All of that adds up to about $20,000 in non-cash benefits, which helps stretch that $59K base salary even further.
And if you’re inactive on game day? You still make $1,500, which is more than some minor league athletes make in a month.
What About Playoffs and the Championship Game?
There’s no official word from league president Russ Brandon on playoff bonuses, but based on the win bonus structure, players likely earn at least $5,000 per playoff game, plus the usual $1,000 win bonus if their team wins.
If a team like the Arlington Renegades or Louis Battlehawks goes deep into the postseason, players could see an extra $10,000+ added to their earnings just from wins.
It’s not Super Bowl money, but it’s a solid boost — especially if you’re a breakout player catching NFL attention.
Offseason Pay? Not So Fast…
Here’s the truth: XFL players don’t get paid in the offseason. The contracts run during training camp and the 10-week regular season, and that’s it.
So what happens next?
- Some players return to offseason jobs
- Others train and wait for NFL offseason programs
- A few play in other leagues or coach locally
This structure keeps the XFL lean but flexible, allowing players to stay fresh, develop football skills, and re-enter the professional football ecosystem when the opportunity strikes.
Popular Qs
Below are popular questions we get asked about this topic.
Do XFL players receive year-round pay or only during the season?
No – they’re only paid during the season and training camp. There’s no guaranteed salary for the offseason. Many XFL players work or train during the rest of the year.
Are housing and meals actually covered for all XFL players, and how does this affect their take-home pay?
Yes, and it’s a big deal. The XFL’s $20,000 benefits package includes housing and two meals per day. That means players keep more of their salary instead of spending it on rent and food.
Can XFL players negotiate higher salaries, or are contracts standardized?
Mostly standardized. The only exceptions are high-profile players, like former NFL quarterbacks or college stars. Everyone else earns the same per-game and bonus structure.
Final Word: Is XFL Pay Worth It?
If you’re chasing NFL millions, the XFL won’t get you there directly. But if you’re hungry to play football, get on film, and earn real money doing what you love — it’s one of the best options outside the NFL.
With leadership from Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Redbird Capital Partners, the league has real momentum. As it grows, so might the salaries.
Until then, for players grinding it out in Las Vegas, San Antonio, Texas, and beyond, the XFL offers more than a paycheck — it’s a launchpad.
