Minimum Wage Major League Soccer

Politicians in California agreed today to raise the state’s minimum wage to $8/hour. What does this have to do with the tea in China and soccer? Well, 8 bucks an hour might actually be a significant raise for some players who are on Major League Soccer’s developmental rosters.

Development players in the top league in the United States are paid as little as $11,700 per year on an non-guaranteed contract. That kind of dough doesn’t go too far in places like Los Angeles and New York, where $11,700 is a night out on the town for the well-heeled.

“Food before partying, you know?” said Galaxy defender Kyle Veris, a 23-year-old rookie earning $16,500 after being drafted in the second round. “Girls are another struggle. I have to ask Mom and Dad. I tell them I met a girl and need money to take her out.”

There’s probably something quaint about this and perhaps even noble considering the outrageous salaries players make around the world, but we have been in Veris’ position before and it isn’t all that glamorous. Nor does it encourage the top young athletes in America to choose soccer over other, more lucrative sports.

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Category: MLS