How much do NBA G League players make?

When did you become a basketball fan? Was it the day you could put the ball in the basket? Maybe you even thought about turning pro and joining the NBA G League right out of high school. Money is a big motivating factor, and one question that keeps popping up in your mind is, “How much do G League players make?” Your research may not have been fruitful, but that’s okay. I’ve listed the salary ranges you can expect to make based on your location. So, read on and decide what kind of player you want to be and how much money you might make.

NBA G League Background

Before you learn how much money you can make by joining the NBA G League, learn more about it. The NBA G League is the official minor league of the NBA. Formerly known as the NBA D League ) However, in 2017, after Gatorade became its official sponsor, the league was renamed the NBA G League, with the “G” standing for Gatorade.

The G League is vital to the NBA because it allows players, referees, coaches and even front office personnel to develop their skills and become professionals who can smoothly transition to the NBA. Currently, there are 31 teams in the G League, 29 of which are direct affiliates of NBA teams. This arrangement allows players from NBA teams to be assigned to G League affiliates, giving them more playing time and further development.

How much do G League players make?

The amount of money each G League player makes depends on experience and other qualifications, such as performance and the contract earned. Always remember that one has to start somewhere.

It is estimated that the average minimum salary for a draft pick is $40,500, or $6,750 per month during the regular six-month season. However, this is the minimum salary for players in the first tier. The first tier is divided into four levels, and players in each tier receive different salaries. The last tier is the fourth tier, where players receive the lowest salary, only $14,000. Next is the third tier, where players receive at least $19,500, and the third tier players receive $25,000.

Salaries may also depend on other factors, such as whether a player is selected to sign a contract. Two-way contract. It allows players who are already in the NBA G League to also be on the roster of an NBA team. The option began in the 2017 offseason, so NBA rosters expanded from 15 players to 17, providing each team with room for two two-way contract players. The contract is designed to develop players with less than four years of experience.

Being a two-way player has its benefits. While NBA Development League players can make between $40,000 and $79,000, playing for two teams at the same time means more money. Two-way players can make more than $500,000, not including bonuses. However, such players only receive one salary while playing in both leagues, and they can only sign for two seasons at most. They can only play in 50 NBA games during their contract and cannot participate in the playoffs.

Some players sign contracts after high school and choose to join Ignite instead of attending college. These players are called G League Select Players, and they earn more than regular players. Select Players must be 18 years old or older, and these talented athletes receive a significant portion of their compensation for choosing to join the NBA G League. They typically make at least $125,000 per season, though this amount can vary depending on the contract.

On the other hand, some players perform well on the court and can join NBA teams. These players can get rich compensation every day with NBA teams because they can earn $5,820 per day, not including the salary paid to them by the NBA G League.

Sometimes an NBA team will send one of its major league players to an NBA G League affiliate for a set period of time. Such players usually have been in the NBA for three years, but they may need some rehabilitation, discipline, or further development. An NBA player sent to an NBA G League team will most likely continue to receive a salary. Since he is still under contract with that team, other teams cannot recall him.

NBA teams can sign players to an Exhibit 10 bonus, which means they can convert players to two-way contracts. If a player signs an Exhibit 10 bonus and continues to play in the G League for at least 60 days, he can receive a bonus of up to $50,000. If he becomes a two-way player, The bonus will be converted into a guaranteed maximum salaryIf a team waives a player shortly after he becomes a two-way contract player, the bonus is what he deserves. Such clauses are included in contracts to incentivize players to stick with NBA G League teams.

How much do the highest-paid G League players make?

Jalen Green was the highest-paid G League player for the 2020-2021 season, making $500,000. However, Scott Henderson doubled his earnings by choosing the NBA G League route for the 2021-2023 season, earning $1 million. London Johnson reportedly made over $1 million for the 2022-24 season, but another player outstripped his salary. 17-year-old Dink Pate signed with Ignite, becoming the youngest American-born professional basketball player. He also reportedly became the highest-paid G League player after signing a two-year contract with G League outfit Ignite. The exact earnings figure is unknown, but it certainly exceeds what Johnson makes.

Farewell words

While the allure of joining the NBA G League is its attractive salary, you have to prove you’re up to the task. If you’re ready to be productive throughout the season, despite late nights and a rigorous training regimen, this may be the choice for you. Take your chances and get drafted. You never know—you could be making millions at 18.

Lilith Morgan

Hi, I’m Vanessa Harris, a dedicated writer known for weaving stories that connect deeply to the human spirit. Beyond the written word, I find solace in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, take long walks to chase the enchanting beauty of sunsets, and hold onto the profound and simple feelings of life’s everyday moments. Will you join me on this rich and meaningful literary adventure?