Understanding NFL Players’ Payment Schedules
One of the most frequently asked questions about the financial aspect of the National Football League (NFL) is how often the players get paid, and the answer may surprise some. NFL players are paid on a weekly basis during the regular season. As per the collective bargaining agreement, the players receive 17 installments over the 17-week regular season. This means that if a player’s annual salary is $17 million, they would receive $1 million each week during the regular season.
The Preseason and Postseason
While the regular season’s payment schedule is fairly straightforward, it becomes slightly more complex during the pre-season and postseason. During the pre-season, players receive a small weekly stipend, with rookie players earning less than veteran players. When it comes to the postseason, players don’t receive their usual salaries. Instead, they receive fixed amounts determined by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement for each playoff game they participate in, irrespective of their standard regular season salaries. This can result in star players actually earning less during the postseason compared to the regular season.
Signing Bonuses and Guaranteed Money
Another complication in NFL players’ payment schedules is the issue of signing bonuses and guaranteed money. When a player signs a new contract, they often receive a signing bonus, which can be a one-time lump payment, or spread out over several years for salary cap purposes. Furthermore, a player’s guaranteed money- a part of their contract that they receive regardless of injury or performance – is usually paid in a combination of their yearly salary, signing bonus, and roster bonuses.
Exceptions and Additional Payments
- Many players also have performance and roster bonuses written into their contracts, which may be paid out at different times depending on the specifics of their deal.
- In case a player gets released or traded, things become a bit complex. Depending on the terms of the contract, a released player may still receive a portion of their salary or none at all.
- If a player gets injured and cannot play, there is an injured reserve clause where a player will continue to receive a portion of their salary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while NFL players are typically paid on a weekly basis during the regular season, the complexity of NFL contracts – which may include signing bonuses, performance bonuses, and guarantees – creates numerous exceptions and variations on this basic payment structure.
