Overview
- Official 2025 figures confirm 58 players earned at least $1 million, more than double the 25 recorded in 2024.
- Two players were paid over $1.6 million and 22 cleared $1.2 million, with amounts reflecting what players were actually paid in 2025 rather than contract averages.
- Average listed‑player earnings reached $505,961 as total gross player payments hit $327,652,493, with per‑club player payments averaging $17.8 million.
- Only one of the seven‑figure earners did not play in 2025, according to the league’s breakdown of the million‑dollar cohort.
- The AFL reported a $67 million underlying operating surplus and flagged leadership changes, as debate over club spending intensified following St Kilda’s recent deals.