Do NHL players make more than NBA players?

By Edcel Panganiban April 30, 2024 11:08

When it comes to professional sports, the earnings of athletes often come under scrutiny, and comparisons between different leagues are inevitable.

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) stand as two of the most prominent professional sports leagues in North America.

While both leagues offer lucrative contracts, the question of whether NHL players make more than NBA players is a subject of interest and analysis.

Salary Structures

NHL

In the NHL, players' salaries are structured based on a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) and the league. The CBA outlines the salary cap, which determines the maximum amount a team can spend on player salaries.

As of the 2021-2022 season, the salary cap was set at $81.5 million per team. However, individual player salaries vary widely based on factors such as experience, performance, and position.

NBA

Similarly, the NBA operates under a CBA that governs player salaries. The NBA's salary cap system is more complex, with various exceptions and intricacies that can impact a team's spending ability. For the 2021-2022 season, the salary cap was approximately $112.4 million per team.

Earnings Comparison

Average Salaries

According to reports, the average salary for an NHL player during the 2020-2021 season was around $2.58 million. Comparatively, NBA players enjoyed a significantly higher average salary, with reports indicating an average of approximately $7.7 million for the 2020-2021 season.

Top-Earning Players

While the average salaries provide a general overview, top-earning players in both leagues significantly impact the overall earnings comparison.

NBA superstars, such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry, have consistently been among the highest-paid athletes globally, earning tens of millions annually from their contracts and endorsements.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Basketball Within Borders (@basketballwithinborders)

In contrast, NHL's top earners, such as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, have seen their salaries rise but generally fall below the earnings of top NBA players.

Revenue Distribution

NHL

The NHL's revenue distribution is influenced by various factors, including television deals, ticket sales, and merchandise. Yet, the NHL's overall revenue is notably lower than that of the NBA, impacting the league's ability to offer higher salaries to its players.

NBA

The NBA has experienced significant revenue growth in recent years, attributed to factors such as global popularity, lucrative television contracts, and successful marketing strategies.

This has allowed the NBA to maintain a higher salary cap and offer more substantial contracts to its players.

Endorsement Deals

NBA

Historically, NBA players have been highly sought after for endorsement deals due to the global appeal of basketball. Superstars like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have transcended the sport and secured lucrative partnerships with major brands, contributing significantly to their overall earnings.

NHL

While NHL players also secure endorsement deals, the scope and financial magnitude of these agreements generally pale in comparison to those in the NBA.

The NHL's more localized fan base and lower global visibility contribute to this discrepancy in endorsement opportunities.

Other Factors

Market Size and Demographics

The discrepancy in earnings between NHL and NBA players can also be attributed to market size and demographics.

The NBA's global appeal and popularity, particularly in markets like China, have expanded the league's revenue streams and increased players' earning potential.

Season Length

The NHL's 82-game regular season is notably shorter than the NBA's 82-game regular season, impacting both the league's revenue and players' potential earnings.

While both the NHL and NBA offer substantial financial rewards to their athletes, the earnings of NBA players generally surpass those of NHL players.

The NBA's larger revenue base, global popularity, and extensive endorsement opportunities contribute to this earnings gap. Still, it's important to note that individual player earnings vary widely, and factors such as performance, marketability, and career longevity significantly impact athletes' financial success in both leagues.