The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas sees all the NBA teams competing. It’s reasonable to assume that not all 400 players are compensated. Here is how much each Summer League player can expect to make based on his current team’s status. The salary of players on typical NBA contracts is not reduced for the Summer League.
However, athletes with non-guaranteed contracts, such as those in Exhibit 10, get a daily salary. The size of this allowance might change based on things including the recipient’s level of expertise.
NBA Summer League players do not receive fat payday
Despite not promising significant financial benefits, the NBA Summer League provides an excellent platform for budding athletes to exhibit their abilities. Only players with active NBA contracts are guaranteed salary, although all players are eligible for a per diem and other benefits. The typical cash prize for the 10–12 day event is roughly $1500 per player. Compared to NBA contracts, this sum may seem negligible, but it’s significant for up-and-comers nonetheless.
In addition, the NBA clubs pay for the players’ lodging and two meals a day, as well as their round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, where the tournament is to take place. Teams will spend around $6500 (not including the cost of coaches) to bring each player to the Summer League. The League may not pay very much, but it is still a crucial stepping stone for athletes to showcase their talents, get noticed by NBA clubs, and maybe earn a roster position in the upcoming season.
Exposure, recognition: Only rewards awaiting the winners
The Summer league provides a great platform for budding players to make a name in the eyes of teams and scouts. However, the Summer League does not provide substantial money for its participants. During the tournament, players who have not signed NBA contracts earn a per diem payment of roughly $1500.
The exposure and experience obtained by playing against NBA-caliber opponents may be priceless for prospective players, even if the sum is not considerable compared to NBA contracts. Rising stars in the NBA display their abilities to scouts in the Summer League hoping to get a contract with one of the teams. The Summer League is more concerned with serving as a venue for player assessment and growth than with paying out huge sums of money.
