AFL and AFLPA new CBA [merged]

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AFL and AFLPA close to agreement on new CBA

Jon Ralph and Scott Gullan
HeraldSun
September 12, 2023

The AFL’s male players are set for a $200,000 pay rise within five seasons under a new pay deal that is close to being finalised.

After months of high-level talks, the AFL’s male and female players are set to vote on the landmark deal which is worth $2.2 billion over five years.

The league is currently paying the male players an average wage of $406,000 but with pay rises set to hit over 30 per cent by 2027 they would take home nearly $600,000.

The minimum wage for AFLW players is set to rise to $70,000, up from nearly $40,000.

Clubs believe the salary cap could go up as much as 12 per cent for the 2023 season under a backdated deal then another significant amount for the 2024 season.

Last year there were 12 players who earned $1 million, with 51 players paid $800,000 or more.

Under the new pay rise by the end of 2027 there would be at least 50 players earning at least $1 million a season.

The new pay deal will allow the league to hand clubs a significant rise in their football department cap which will help pave the way for much-needed increase in the wages of coaches who have been the hardest hit in recent times.

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/afl-and-aflpa-close-to-agreement-on-new-cba/news-story/b1483da278b30d4314b38ae45740d8e1

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Finalised.

Summary of the new CBA

AFL

* 10 per cent increase in base pay in 2023.
* 37 per cent increase in pay over the life of the deal.
* Average player salary to increase from $387,000 in 2022 to $519,000 in 2027.
* Three-year contracts for first round draftees.
* Regulated payments for third year players.
* Player leave has increased based on the last CBA.
* Five-day breaks provide greater flexibility in fixturing – including more Thursday night games.
* Injury and hardship fund ($40 million boost) - $60 million over five years, up from $20 million.
* Discussions on a mid-season trade period to continue with clubs.

AFLW

* 29 per cent pay uplift for AFLW players effective immediately.
* AFLW season length to increase to 12 rounds in 2025, potentially 14 rounds in 2027 based on achieving key metrics
* The AFLW Total Player Payments inclusive of Base amount is more than $32.3 million for 2023, compared to $25 million for Season Seven and $10.4 million in Season Six.
* Clubs will continue to be required to ensure there are minimum levels of medical, physical preparation and high-performance staff resourcing to allow AFLW players to prepare for matches and training sessions more efficiently.
* AFLW players will receive increased certainty with 12-month contracts implemented, and the ability to sign multi-year contracts – the same as the men’s AFL competition.
* A world leading 12-month pregnancy policy, commencing from six weeks before a player’s due date, will be immediately introduced as will increased investment into player support and welfare.

OTHER

* Increased access to players for media and broadcast via new broadcast policy to be introduced.
* All AFL players in the 23 named from the week before to be available to media in the week after their match.
* Player relocation and travel benefits will be equitable for both AFL and AFLW players who relocate states.
* A joint committee will be set up by the AFL and AFLPA to ensure a safe working environment for all players.

Read more here: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1036866/big-pay-rises-40m-boost-for-past-players-in-historic-afl-and-aflw-joint-collective-bargaining-agreement