NBL average salary: how it compares to the national line
Find out where the NBL average salary sits on the Australian salary index. We explain state and industry differences and how to interpret the index for professional basketball play
The NBL average salary is not available from the reference. Its index is uncertain.
What is the NBL average salary?
The NBL average salary refers to the typical gross annual pay for a player in the National Basketball League. Because the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish earnings data for professional sports leagues, the exact figure is uncertain. However, we can use the Salary Index to understand how such a salary might compare to the national line of 100, which represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
Professional basketball players in Australia are generally covered by individual contracts or a collective bargaining agreement, not by modern awards or the national minimum wage. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (index 48.2) serves as a floor, but NBL players earn well above that. Without a published median, any specific index number would be speculation.
State differences and NBL teams
The NBL has teams in several states and territories, each with its own average earnings profile. The states page shows how each state compares to the national line:
- New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658 annualised)
- Victoria: index 98 ($106,137)
- Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064)
- South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450)
- Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825)
- Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008)
- Northern Territory: index 95.2 ($103,173)
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 ($119,090)
While NBL player salaries are likely set at a league level, the cost of living and local earnings context can affect take-home value. For instance, a player for the Perth Wildcats (WA) lives in a state with above-average earnings, while a player for the Tasmania JackJumpers lives in a state with below-average earnings. However, the player's salary itself may not reflect that difference.
Industry context
The industries page lists indices for broad industry groups, but professional sports is not a separate category. The closest might be "Arts and recreation services", which is not in our reference. For comparison, the "Professional, scientific and technical" industry index is 114.7, showing that high-skilled professional roles earn above the national line. NBL players are elite athletes, and their compensation often includes not only salary but also endorsements, bonuses, and superannuation.
Superannuation is a key consideration: from 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an NBL player earning above that base, the employer's super contribution would be capped. Tax treatment follows the resident tax rates for 2026–27: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that, plus a 2% Medicare levy. These rates apply to gross salary, but players may have additional deductions or HELP repayments.
How the salary index works
The how the index works page explains the calculation: yearly gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) multiplied by 100. For example, if an NBL player earned $150,000, the index would be 138.4. But since we do not have a confirmed average, we cannot provide a reliable number. The index is a benchmark for ordinary-time earnings, not total remuneration, and it does not account for casual loading, overtime, or bonuses.
Awards and the minimum wage
NBL players are not covered by the national minimum wage or typical modern awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets award rates for many industries, but professional sports have their own arrangements. The junior national minimum wage percentages (e.g., $9.73/hr for under 16) do not apply to adult professional athletes. If a player were covered by an award, it would likely be a specific sports award, but that is not part of this reference.
Summary
While the NBL average salary is uncertain, the salary index provides a framework for comparing any known figure to the national line. State and industry differences offer context, but without official data, any specific index is speculative. For the most accurate information, consult the NBL or the relevant players' association. For other pay comparisons, see the pay guides or topics pages.
Questions people ask
What is the NBL average salary?
The NBL average salary is not publicly reported in Australian Bureau of Statistics data. The salary index cannot provide a precise figure. For context, the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100). NBL player salaries are typically higher but vary by experience, team, and contract terms.
How do state differences affect NBL salaries?
NBL teams are based in different states with varying cost of living and average earnings. For example, Victoria's index is 98, while Western Australia's is 106.9. However, player salaries are often set by league-wide agreements, so state differences may not directly apply. The state index reflects overall earnings, not sports-specific pay.
How does the salary index work for NBL players?
The index compares gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352. If an NBL player's salary were known, dividing by that figure and multiplying by 100 gives the index. Since the NBL average is uncertain, we cannot calculate it. The index is a benchmark for ordinary-time earnings, not total remuneration including bonuses or endorsements.