The harsh reality for NBA G-League players: This is what their paychecks look like

Over the years, the NBA’s G League has provided the NBA itself with a number of high-profile players. Considered by some as a middle ground between the NCAA and NBA, it makes you wonder how well the players are compensated.

Understanding the NBA G League

Founded in 2001, the G League, or what was formerly known as the NBA D (Development) League, is in fact the official minor league affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Though it consisted of just eight teams in those early days, with each one being affiliated with one or more of the NBA’s teams by 2005, it has grown by leaps and bounds since. Indeed, today the league boasts 28 teams in total. Here’s the aforementioned Scoot in action.

Interestingly, prior to 2020 the G League actually had an age requirement for participants, however, that has since been changed in that high school recruits can now opt for the league as a path to the NBA, rather than the traditional road that leads through college. A prime example of this would be the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green who joined the G League’s Ignite during the 2020-21 season as opposed to playing in college. This is of course similar to the above-mentioned Henderson who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, proving that the G League can produce top-tier talent.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering why ‘G’ was chosen to replace the more obvious ‘D’ for Development, you need look no further than the partnership formed in the 2017-18 season with Gatorade.

What are salaries in the G League?

Related stories

NBA

NBA All-Star schedule of events

NBA

Surprises in store as NBA All-Star rosters revealed

To make things clear, yes, G League players are paid a salary. As of this season, players have a minimum salary of $40,500 for a total of 50 regular season games. Understandably, some players earn more depending on their performances and more importantly their stock with the NBA team that they’re affiliated. In keeping with that, players who go to the NBA from the G League are paid a prorated salary of the league up to 100 days minimum. The current NBA minimum sits just below $1 million at approximately $953,000.

It’s also worth noting that there are also two-way contracts in the G League. A two-way player earns a mandatory amount from NBA and G League games and makes more than the standard G League player. If you didn’t know, NBA teams are allowed to maintain two players on a two-way contract. A player on such a contract can earn between $80,000 and $500k per season.