Most folks assume a pro basketball player makes bank, but the NBA G League is a different world. G League players do get paid—no working for free. Still, nobody’s driving Lamborghinis off that first paycheck.
Here’s how it works. The league sets standard salaries, but things aren’t as simple as one-size-fits-all. Some players sign basic contracts, others hustle on “Two-Way” deals that float them between the G League and the NBA. A few top prospects snag bonus-filled deals that turn heads, but those spots are rare.
If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick story, the G League will surprise you. Players earn enough to stay focused on basketball, but it’s not about early retirement. Let’s break down what they earn, how the contracts differ, and what life on a G League salary actually feels like.
- G League Pay Structure: How It Works
- Types of Contracts and What They Mean
- Biggest Money Makers in the G League
- Daily Life: Expenses, Perks, and Struggles
- Tips for Future G Leaguers and Basketball Fans
G League Pay Structure: How It Works
Let’s clear it up right away—G League salary isn’t life-changing, but it’s definitely not chump change either. Back in the 2024-25 season, the standard base pay for most NBA G League players was about $40,500 for the full five-month season. That works out to roughly $8,100 a month before taxes. Not all players make the same though; there are a few different ways contracts are set up.
The G League pays players based on tiered contracts:
- Standard contracts: Most guys in the league fall here and take home that base salary.
- Two-Way contracts: These bump pay way up, as players split time between an NBA team and their G League team. In 2025, a two-way deal could pay up to $559,782 if you spend max NBA days.
- Exhibit 10 and affiliate contracts: These are short-term deals or give fringe NBA hopefuls a shot; bonuses can hit $75,000 if a player sticks with a G League affiliate after getting waived from NBA training camp.
To get a feel for the range, check out this table with 2025 season data:
| Contract Type | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| Standard G League | $40,500 |
| Two-Way Contract | Up to $559,782 |
| Exhibit 10 Bonus | Up to $75,000 |
Now, unless you’re on a two-way contract, don’t expect perks like meals, housing, or flights for family. Teams do cover basic travel and hotels for games, though. The pay might seem low compared to NBA giants, but for many, it’s a real shot at making it. As agent Adam Pensack told The Athletic,
"For a lot of guys, the G League is the grind that keeps the NBA dream alive. Every paycheck is another month to prove yourself."
If you’re thinking of joining, it’s good to know exactly where that G League salary lands, so you have zero surprises when you see that first check.
Types of Contracts and What They Mean
G League contracts aren’t just copy-paste deals. There’s more variety now than ever, and every contract means something different for a player’s paycheck and career path. Here’s what you’ll actually see out there:
Standard G League Contract — This is what most players sign. For the 2024-25 season, the base salary is $40,500 for the season. The job runs from November through April. Players can be waived or traded just like in bigger leagues, and there aren’t any guaranteed bonuses.
Two-Way Contracts — NBA teams use these to keep two guys who split time between the NBA and their G League squad. Players get paid according to where they spend their days. Time with the NBA team can boost their salary to around $559,782 if they max out their NBA days in a season. Most of these guys don’t spend all year in the big league, but the chance is what keeps them going.
Exhibit 10 Contracts — This one’s a short-term NBA preseason deal. If a player gets waived during preseason but lands on the NBA team’s G League affiliate, they might bag a bonus up to $75,000. It helps keep prospects close without them jetting off overseas instead.
- Affiliate Player Contracts: If you get cut from an NBA camp, you can slide into your team’s G League roster. You’re paid a standard G League salary, but it feels like a second chance to get noticed.
- Select Contracts: These are for top prospects not yet NBA age, like recent high school grads. The money’s much bigger—$125,000 or more for a single season. These deals are rare and aimed at kids headed straight for the NBA Draft.
The different contract types matter for pay and opportunity. A Two-Way deal can triple your annual earnings compared to a regular G League contract. And Exhibit 10 bonuses can help players make ends meet, especially when chasing bigger dreams.
| Contract Type | Typical Salary (2024-25) | Main Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Standard G League | $40,500 | Simple, steady income |
| Two-Way | Up to $559,782 | Spilt time NBA/G League |
| Exhibit 10 | $40,500 + up to $75,000 bonus | Potential training camp bonus |
| Select | $125,000+ | For top young prospects |
If you’re looking at a career in the G League, pay attention to the contract details, because they shape everything—from the money you take home to how fast you can get called up to the NBA.
Biggest Money Makers in the G League
Some folks think everyone in the NBA G League makes the same paycheck, but that’s not even close to true. When it comes to G League salary, certain guys walk away with way more cash than others. So, who are these G League ballers stacking the most money?
First off, those on “Two-Way” contracts are at the top of the list. In the 2024–25 season, a Two-Way contract pays up to $559,782 if a player maxes out all the days allowed with their NBA team. Not bad for bouncing between clubs, especially since the standard G League contract is a fraction of that.
Another money maker? The “Select Contract.” This one is only for top prospects, usually those not old enough for the NBA draft. These contracts pay roughly $500,000 or more, much higher than what everyone else in the G League gets. Scoot Henderson, for example, signed with the G League Ignite for about $1 million in 2021—an outlier, but it shows the top end if you're a true unicorn.
The rest of the league usually sees standard salaries. For 2025, the baseline G League salary is about $40,000 for the season, with bonuses for playoffs and call-ups. Still, you’ll hear about exceptions thanks to Exhibit 10 contracts. If a player gets an Exhibit 10, shows up to their G League affiliate, and sticks around for 60 days, they can pocket up to a $75,000 bonus—even if the main contract is small.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what the top earners look like in an average season:
| Contract Type | Typical Pay (2025) | Who Gets It? |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Way | $559,782 max | NBA draftees, rising talent |
| Select Contract | $500,000+ | Elite prospects (e.g. G League Ignite) |
| Exhibit 10 Bonus | Up to $75,000 bonus | Training camp invitees |
| Standard Contract | $40,000+ | Most G League players |
The big takeaway: if you’ve got an NBA team eager to see what you can do, or you’re considered a future NBA star, you’ll get paid really well—at least by G League standards. For everyone else, the money might keep the lights on, but it won’t have you shopping for a mansion.
Daily Life: Expenses, Perks, and Struggles
The reality for most G League salary earners isn’t luxury—think hustle and belt-tightening. The standard salary for the 2023-24 NBA G League season was about $40,500, which comes out after taxes to something much less impressive. So, what do players actually deal with day to day?
Let’s look at living costs. Teams usually cover housing, but it’s not a penthouse—think basic apartments stacked with other players, sometimes sharing rooms. Meals are provided on game days, but away from the court, it’s on the players to budget for food. Travel is almost always via charter bus, and cities aren’t all bright lights; think Grand Rapids or Sioux Falls, not Miami or LA.
The main expenses G Leaguers tackle weekly:
- Groceries—especially for those who don’t want to eat takeout every night
- Car or rideshare costs, unless they can walk to the gym
- Training extras—some guys invest their own money in trainers or therapy for recovery
- Any extras for family, if a player has kids or a partner living with them
It’s not all rough. Perks exist: gear and shoes are free, and a few get taste-of-the-NBA benefits if they’re called up for a Two-Way contract. Medical coverage is good, and players sometimes score sponsored meals or discounts at local spots. Still, nobody’s flexing in a fancy suit on Instagram.
But here’s the real struggle—uncertainty. Contracts aren’t guaranteed if you get cut mid-season, and moving between G League and NBA squads can mean shifting cities with barely a day’s notice. Off-court, you’re constantly fighting for eyes from scouts or keeping a side hustle alive.
Here’s a look at typical G League monthly expenses for a single player:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (often covered by team) | $0 |
| Food | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 |
| Phone & Internet | $75 |
| Personal training/therapy | $250 |
| Misc./Personal Care | $125 |
It adds up quickly—players learn to stretch their G League pay and stay motivated, keeping their dream alive in hopes of that NBA call-up. This life is all about sacrifice and chasing the next level.
Tips for Future G Leaguers and Basketball Fans
Chasing the NBA dream through the G League? You need more than just a crossover and a jump shot. Here’s what you really should know before going all in—and what fans can look for if they’re following these hoopers’ journeys.
G League salary numbers can fool you into thinking life gets cushy. Not true. The average pay for a standard G League contract in the 2024-25 season is about $40,500. Two-Way guys score more—up to $559,782 if they max out NBA days—but those contracts are tough to land. Here’s a quick look at what’s possible:
| Contract Type | Estimated Salary (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Standard G League | $40,500 |
| Two-Way | Up to $559,782 |
| Exhibit 10/Bonus | Extra $5,000–$75,000 |
So what can a player do to make the most out of their G League shot?
- Network like crazy: Scouts and coaches watch from day one. Make friends in every gym. People talk, and reputations travel.
- Keep expenses tight: Rents in some G League cities aren’t cheap. Save that money—don’t blow it thinking NBA millions are coming soon. Lots of players share apartments and ride together to practice.
- Take care of your body: G League teams have decent trainers, but you’re not getting “LeBron-level” treatment. Invest in recovery tools, eat right, and know that long bus rides are part of the grind.
- Have a backup plan: Not every player makes the jump to the NBA. Finish that online degree, polish your résumé, or start learning a trade on the side. Smart pros don’t leave their future to chance.
- Understand your contract: Ask about guaranteed money, bonuses, and call-up rules. G League deals can be confusing compared to NBA superstar contracts.
For the basketball fans out there, supporting a G League salary player means rooting for a real-life underdog. Buy tickets, watch games online (many are free!), and share highlights. Sometimes, today’s G Leaguer is tomorrow’s breakout NBA star—think Gabe Vincent, Seth Curry, or even Alex Caruso, who all paid their dues in the minors before cashing in big.
If you’re dreaming of making the league or just want to cheer these guys on, know you’re watching the grittiest side of pro hoops. Every pay check, every contract, every long bus trip—it’s all part of the game.