The AFL and the Players Association have come to an agreement for the wage in the women’s AFL competition to be increased by $3500.
There was a public outcry when the league was announced, as people felt the superstars of the new competition would be underpaid.
If the numbers were broken down, it was to average out to be $30 an hour for the women’s players.
Their current contracts involve a minimum of nine hours work for 17 weeks, plus practice matches, and promotional appearances. The wages will also increase marginally to $9,276 in 2018.
AFL General Manager, Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean said the AFL had listened to the feedback and views of the AFLPA, and consulted with the women playing the game.
“We appreciate the support of our fans and the community in regards to the players,” Mr Lethlean said.
“The AFL wants the NAB AFL Women’s Competition to succeed, and to be sustainable into the future.
“The league will be a semi-professional competition initially with players employed on a part-time basis, but we are keen for it to evolve into being fully professional as soon as possible.”
The AFL’s direct financial commitment to player salaries totals $2.275 million for the 2017 eight-week season before increasing to $2.454 million in 2018.
The AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh also made note that equality was the main factor in reaching the decision.
The marquee players in the league will earn more than originally planned under this new agreement. The contracts will rise from $15,000 to $17,000 in 2017. As it stands, their $10,000 marquee fee won’t change or be affected. – Paul Robinson
Photo of women’s AFL players from the AFL Female Twitter feed.
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