The XFL is steadily taking shape with a steady flow of coaching additions, regional showcases, and infrastructure.
To help assure league stability and future growth, costs are critical for the league to survive. Similar to the Alliance of American Football, salaries will be kept under strict limits.
Although spending caps have yet to be finalized, the league is expected to have four salary levels. Each “tier” has different player quotas based on a planned 45 man roster.
1- Similar to the NFL’s “franchise” designation, a minimum $250,000 salary will be exclusively assigned to one player. This tier will likely be used for the quarterback. It could go as high as $600,000, but don’t expect Colin Kaepernick to be wearing an XFL uniform.
2- Three players will be assigned this pay level with a range of $150,000 to $175,000.
3- This level allows the largest contingent with 23 players. The salary will fall between $70,000 and $100,000.
4- The lowest pay will be allotted to 18 players. Their salary will be at least $50,000, with the potential to reach $70,000. It may not seem like much, but consider college athletes who are less than three years removed from high school and ineligible for the NFL. Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence may find this a tempting opportunity. Others may also be enticed by endorsement deals available in the XFL which are forbidden by the NCAA.
There’s also NFL practice squad players that have languished on the sidelines without any time on the field. “If you’ve been on a practice squad for three years and you’re running scout team, you’re not getting better,” said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. Despite the modest income, a real chance at producing a game video to show off their skills could justify leaving the NFL to become a starter in hopes of returning in the near future.
Additional issues to be finalized:
- Performance bonuses
- Team salary cap
- Whether contracts are guaranteed
- Signing bonuses and if they count against a team or player cap
- Stipulations for players who wish to leave for the NFL
- A “9th team” practice squad for all teams to utilize in case of injuries to starters and salaries for those players
Every head coach will receive a $500,000 salary.
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