AFL players’ millionaires club grows to 25 as staggering new numbers emerge

The AFL players’ millionaires club has grown to 25 players, a significant increase from 19 in 2023.

Ten of those players earn at least $1.2 million.

Melbourne star Christian Petracca, two-time Carlton Brownlow medallist and captain Patrick Cripps, Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch, Essendon defender Ben McKay and Sydney ace Isaac Heeney are among the game’s best-paid players.

Carlton recruit Nick Haynes was also one of the league’s highest paid players in 2024 because of a back-ended deal with former club GWS.

Total player earnings will hit $300 million this year. They were $296.3 million last year, compared to more than $280.8 million in ‘23.

That’s an average of just under $460,00 per season for a primary-listed player.

On Monday the AFL announced its underlying operating surplus had grown from $27.7 million in 2023 to $45.4 million last year as the league recovers from being financially “exhausted” by COVID-19.

The last time the league’s bottom line was so robust was in 2018, when it announced a profit of $50.4 million.

The league also announced spending increases in a number of key areas, including the AFLW and supporting the health of past players.

Extra funding for the players’ association injury and hardship program and retirement fund is significant, given the growing concerns about the long-term health impact of concussions.

After reporting significant deficits during COVID-19, the league’s balance sheet has improved steadily over the past few years.

“The coordinated effort to reduce the industry cost base and protect revenues means the AFL was able to report a cash surplus for the financial year and our focus remains on the rebuilding and strengthening of the industry balance sheet,” AFL chief financial officer Matthew Chun said in a league statement.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exhausted our reserves, and over the last three years we have been disciplined in ensuring we replenish that fund.

“While a new broadcast deal comes in this year, it is important that we continue to drive cost discipline to ensure that we are able to continue to invest in all levels while ensuring the game remains affordable and accessible for everyone.”

The AFL’s 2024 financial results also featured an increase of $72.3 in operational revenue.

Apart from boosting funds to AFL clubs and game development, the league also ramped up the financing of the AFLW from $57.2 million to $63.7 million.

Its funding of the AFLPA, including player development, the injury and hardship programs and the player retirement fund, increased from $41.5 million to $49.9 million.

Payments to AFL executives were $10.8 million, down from $13.6 million, but there was no detail on salaries to key personnel such as chief executive Andrew Dillon.

AFL chairman Richard Goyder noted the league has committed $360 million to the Tasmania Devils expansion team over the next decade.

Meanwhile, the AFL has announced Denis Bowden will take over from Professor Helen Milroy as the Indigenous person on the league’s commission.

Bowden, from the Northern Territory, is chief executive of the Yothu Yindi Foundation and director of the Garma festival.

Her family has ties with Richmond and NT club Southern Districts.