Sporting a Large Stipend

Athletes are regarded as some of the most disciplined, fit, and motivated individuals. When sports players decide to take their skills to the next level and “go pro” they are paid accordingly for their skills; however some sports pay a decent amount more than others. Why is this the case?

According to ESPN.com, Stephen Curry has the largest pay in the NBA sitting at around 37 million a year. Meanwhile one of the best in the NHL, Patrick Kane, is making only about 10.5 million, as indicated by NHLNumbers.com, a large difference to say the least.

The main reason this is the case comes down to the income the leagues are receiving from media outlets and licensing. While both basketball and hockey are popular sports, basketball tends to attract a larger audience thus opening up more opportunities for the league to cash in. The more capital they receive the more money they can distribute out to different players.

Although rugby players are extremely tough and present a large amount of fortitude, they will inevitably make a lot less than other athletes because of the sport’s popularity in contrast to others. In short, the real reason some of the most talented sports players of our time will be making a lot more than others will all come down to what sport has a larger fanbase and media coverage.

Just looking around the school you can easily tell what sports have begun to become dominant in our area. After asking a few students on what they thought about sport league funding, most believed that sports players are making way too much money for their own good. I can relate to some of their thoughts but one stood out the most. Jonah O'Brien said, “While pro sports pay isn't completely equal, it sure isn't mince meat either.” No matter what your prefered sport is you probably won't have to worry about if your favorite player is eating enough.