Big wage rises for women players as AFL finally strikes $2.2bn pay deal | AFLW

The AFL has struck a “transformative” $2.2bn pay deal with players which includes longer contracts for first-round draftees and big wage rises for women’s players.

The average wage of AFLW players will rise to $82,000 by the end of 2027, up from the current $46,000, in the first joint collective bargaining agreement covering female and male players.

The length of AFLW seasons will be increased to 10 games while in the men’s competition, first-round draftees will now sign a three-year contract, up from two seasons.

The AFL also plan to continue discussions about a men’s mid-season draft after announcing the CBA alongside the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) on Thursday.

After months of haggling, the CBA was hailed by both parties as a win for the sport. By the end of the agreement in 2027, the average AFL men’s salary will be $519,000, from $387,000 last year.

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