Do NBA G League Players Get Paid? A Real Look at Their Salaries

If you think everyone in pro basketball is swimming in cash, think again. The NBA G League has real pay checks, but they’re a far cry from NBA superstar money. So, yes—G League players do get paid. The real question: how much?

Most folks don’t know the G League has a set salary system. The base pay for most players sits around $40,500 for a five-month season in 2024–25. Doesn’t sound huge for a pro athlete, right? But it’s a big step up from the old days when players sometimes scrambled for side gigs. The truth is, the G League is about development—on the court, and in your bank account if you move up.

But those basic numbers aren’t the full story. Some players on two-way contracts jump between the G League and the NBA, snagging a bigger paycheck—can be up to $559,782 if they spend the maximum time allowed in the NBA. That’s a massive difference, and it’s why so many players hustle hard for that call-up.

• How Much Do Players Really Make?
• Types of G League Contracts
• What About Bonuses and Perks?
• How It Compares to Other Pro Leagues
• Tips for Maximizing G League Earnings

How Much Do Players Really Make?

Here’s what you really want to know: how much do NBA G League players actually take home? The answer depends a lot on their contract, but let’s keep things simple and straight to the point.

For the majority, it’s a set number. In the 2024–2025 season, the base salary for most G League guys is about $40,500 for the season. That covers five months—so, about $8,100 per month. Not ridiculous money, but also more than a ton of entry-level jobs out there. There are some extras for specific situations, but the base numbers look like this:

A bit more on two-way contracts: these players split time between the NBA and G League. Their pay scales up if they clock NBA action. Most G League players, though, don’t get a two-way deal—they stick with the base salary.

G League teams also cover the basics: housing, some meals, and travel. But your paycheck isn’t going to stretch super far in bigger cities. Some players pick up endorsement deals, but unless you’re a top prospect, don’t expect big bucks there either.

It’s important to know that during playoff runs or showcase events (like the G League Ignite team for prospects), players might get a little extra money or bonuses, but nothing close to what NBA main roster guys earn.

So, if you’re playing in the G League, you’re making more than minimum wage, but you’re not riding private jets or buying mansions. Most guys see it as an investment—put in the work, get noticed, and maybe land that NBA shot or a fat contract overseas. The best part? It’s a real paycheck to keep the hoop dream alive while chasing the next big thing.

Types of G League Contracts

If you think there’s just one way to sign with an NBA G League team, you’ll be surprised. There are a few main types of deals players can get, and each one affects how much money they bring home. Here’s what’s on the table as of 2024-25:

• Standard G League Contract: Most guys sign this deal. For the 2024–25 season, it comes with a base salary of about $40,500, no matter the team or market. You play the season and that’s your regular income (prizes and bonus money are separate).
• Two-Way Contract: These are for players who might bounce between the G League and the NBA. If you’re on one, you can spend up to 50 NBA games with your parent team—and your money goes way up. The full-season two-way salary in 2024-25 can land right under $560,000.
• Exhibit 10 Contract: Sounds weird, but this is special. It starts as a non-guaranteed NBA contract for training camp. If you’re cut and play for the G League affiliate, you can grab a bonus—up to $75,000—for sticking around at least 60 days.
• Returning Player Rights: If you played for the same team last season and come back, you sign a standard deal but your team keeps your rights unless they trade or release you. For the player, salary rules stay the same, but it’s sometimes easier to land a bigger role.

Not every contract is created equal. Some come with tough job security, but the potential NBA jump is real for two-way deals.

The NBA G League isn’t just a stepping stone for the court—it’s an audition for better contracts and serious cash. Guys grind hard to move up from standard deals to two-way or full NBA contracts, which is where the real money kicks in. Knowing the differences can help if you’re gunning for a spot or just want to follow a favorite player’s journey.

What About Bonuses and Perks?

The base salary only tells half the story for NBA G League players. Bonuses, perks, and a few side benefits can really change the picture. Teams use bonuses to motivate guys—like winning championships or making the playoffs. Playoff bonuses aren’t NBA-level, but last season, the playoff pool was split among players who advanced, adding a few thousand bucks for those still playing in May.

On top of that, certain players get extra bump with Exhibit 10 contracts. If you don’t know what that means, here’s the deal: If a player signs with an NBA team for training camp and then goes to that team’s G League affiliate, he could pocket a bonus up to $75,000 after sticking around for at least 60 days. It’s a sneaky good way to earn more—if you can land that contract.

Now, what about perks? While G League guys aren’t getting crazy endorsement deals, there are some valuable extras:

• Free housing—it’s standard these days, so no worries about rent eating your check.
• Meals are covered while traveling. Not quite luxury, but you’re not paying for airport pizzas.
• Healthcare coverage, which is a huge deal for any athlete.
• Access to NBA-level coaching and training resources. Doesn’t go straight to your bank account, but it’s an investment in your future paydays.

Don’t forget about local money-makers either. Some players boost their income doing community appearances or local promotions for the team. It’s not a fortune, but every little bit helps when you’re not on a superstar contract.

So, while the G League pay isn’t massive, those small extras and smart moves can really stretch your pay. For a lot of players, it’s those bonuses and perks that keep the dream alive and help close the gap until they (hopefully) make it to the NBA G League’s big brother.

How It Compares to Other Pro Leagues

Let’s be real: when you compare NBA G League pay to international and other U.S. pro leagues, it’s not even close. G League salaries are decent if you’re fresh out of college or looking for an NBA call-up, but players make a lot more overseas and in some minor leagues.

For instance, some skilled players head to Europe or Asia for a much bigger paycheck. Top European leagues, like Spain’s Liga ACB or Turkey’s BSL, regularly pay $100,000 to $500,000 per season, and a few stars snag more than a million. Even mid-tier teams in Australia’s NBL or China’s CBA usually outpay the G League, not just on salary but also with perks like free housing and cars. One French agent told ESPN,

“Lots of guys leave the G League for Europe, where a strong American guard can make double—sometimes triple—what they touch stateside.”

It’s not just the international scene. Some minor U.S. leagues, like the new Overtime Elite for younger prospects, toss out higher contracts, with a few guys raking in six figures. And in the old days, some Canadian and Puerto Rican teams also padded players’ incomes with bonuses and side deals.

Take a look at some ballpark salary ranges for common pro options:

If you only care about cash, the G League isn’t the goldmine. But if you’re gunning for visibility and an NBA contract, the experience—and those quick NBA call-up chances—might be worth more than raw dollars for a lot of hungry players.

Tips for Maximizing G League Earnings

The NBA G League doesn’t just pay you for showing up—you actually have to work the system if you want to get the most out of it. Players who make it work are the ones who use every chance to push up their incomes and get noticed. Here’s what’s actually proven to make a difference.

• Focus on Two-Way Contracts: If you’re aiming for a real payday, nothing beats landing a two-way contract. These bridge deals let G League players spend up to 50 games with their NBA parent team, boosting your earnings massively. In the 2024–25 season, the max salary for a two-way player is $559,782—way above the standard G League base.
• Take Full Advantage of Bonuses: Don't sleep on game and performance bonuses. Teams sometimes hand out cash for making the playoffs, leading the league in stats, or even for team wins. Some playoff shares last season reached $4,000 per round. It might not sound like NBA money, but it adds up over a season.
• Get Noticed for International Offers: G League pay is solid, but signing with international leagues can be a quick raise. Players who ball out in the G League often get overseas offers paying $100,000 or more. Think of the G League as a launchpad, not just a destination.
• Build Your Brand: Social media isn’t just for fun. Guys who grow a following can attract sponsors or paid content gigs, adding extra dollars on the side. Top G League names sometimes land deals with local businesses or start YouTube channels that actually pay off.
• Never Skip Health and Insurance Perks: Health, housing, and travel costs can crush a low paycheck. G League teams provide free housing and benefits, which is basically cash back in your pocket. Use every perk offered—it stretches your base salary further.

Let’s get concrete. Here’s a look at potential earnings for different types of G League players in the 2024–25 season:

The bottom line: don’t just aim for the standard check. Smart G League players grind for two-way contracts, boost their performance for bonuses, and plan for the big leap—whether it’s into the NBA or abroad. Use every tool at your disposal and watch those earnings jump.