NRLW (National Rugby League Women's) players' pay is governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that is set to run from 2023 to 2027. For the 2025 season, the salary cap for each club is $1,254,000, with a minimum wage of $41,800 per player. The squad size is typically 24 players plus 4 development players. The average wage for players is expected to rise with the CBA terms, reaching a minimum of about $50,600 by 2027. Top NRLW players can earn above the minimum wage, with marquee players potentially earning up to $70,000–$80,000 annually or more, with added possibilities of representative payments and performance bonuses. The salary cap and minimum wages have been increasing progressively as part of a historic investment in women's rugby league aiming to professionalize and grow the competition.
In summary:
- 2025 minimum salary: $41,800 per player
- 2025 club salary cap: $1,254,000
- Average and top player salaries are higher, with marquee players earning possibly around $70,000 to $80,000+
- Salary and contract conditions are improving with provisions for welfare, pregnancy, and more professional terms included in the CBA.
This pay scale positions NRLW players well compared to many other female professional sports players in Australia.
