The AFLW has taken a huge step towards becoming the highest-paid women’s competition in Australia, settling on a new collective bargaining agreement that will almost double players’ wages.
Under the new pay deal, average player salaries will increase by 94 per cent across the competition, improving from $23,904 to $46,280. The rate will form part of a four-level system where individuals in the top tier will receive $71,935, up from $37,115 earlier this year.
With these figures, it is estimated that more than 40 of the league’s top players will be paid more than $100,000. This is a staggering result as only three years ago high-profile players could expect just $24,600 (in 2019).
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After a period of uncertainty for the players, season seven will start on the last weekend of August – during the AFL’s pre-finals bye – with pre-season starting mid-June.
In growing the competition, the schedule will include 10 home and away games and a breakthrough four finals, with a grand final scheduled for the weekend of November 25-27.
Season seven will also see the AFLW come inline with the men’s competition in fielding a team from all 18 clubs. Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney Swans will all introduce inaugural women’s lineups.
With the inclusion of four new teams, the total number of AFLW players will increase from 420 to 540 – cementing the AFLW’s position as Australia’s largest employer of female athletes.
The agreement also brings the AFLW closer in salary to the Super Netball, where netballers earn an average of $74,000.
In the Super Netball, the highest paid athletes earn $91,500 while the minimum wage is $43,000.
The AFLW’s trade period will kick off next week, with the season’s draft to take place on June 29.
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