MLS PLayers Living Just Above Poverty Line

Filed in archive US Soccer on May 1, 2006

source: thepedia.com

Next time you hear someone complaining about how footballers are overpaid spare a thought for the poor guys in MLS. The Washington Post published every players salary last week, and while big names like Landon Donovan are earning a decent living ($900,000 per year), the squad players are pocketing just $11,700 per year.

The US defines poverty as $9,570 per year for a single person, meaning these guys are only just over the threshold. The MLS salary cap is at least partially to blame for such low wages, because when teams spend the majority of their salary allowance on a star player like Donovan, they can't afford to pay the less famous players a decent living. I just hope Donovan buys these guys a meal now and again.