Lacrosse once lived in the shadows of major sports, cherished by devoted fans but financially modest compared to the NFL or NBA. Fast forward to 2025, and a new financial reality shapes the sport. The highest paid lacrosse players today earn far more than their predecessors, blending athletic performance with savvy business moves, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures. This evolution reveals how top professionals leverage skill and strategy to rise above the traditionally lean salary structure in pro lacrosse.
While most players average modest league earnings, the top 10 highest paid lacrosse players now boast compensation that reflects both on-field dominance and off-field earnings potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore earnings, income sources, and real figures for the highest paid lacrosse players, demystifying how success in lacrosse translates into financial gain today.
How Much Do Pro Lacrosse Players Really Make?
Lacrosse will not pay NBA or NFL money, but the very top of the sport earns more than most fans expect. Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) stars make base salaries between about 25,000 and 50,000 dollars per season, with some players pushing total compensation into low six figures when bonuses, endorsements, and camps kick in. In the National Lacrosse League (NLL), average salaries sit around 19,000 to 25,000 dollars per year, so most players still work second jobs.
The highest paid lacrosse players treat the league check as only one pillar. They build income from:
- Salaries in PLL or NLL (and formerly MLL)
- Endorsement deals with brands like Nike, New Balance, Warrior, and Red Bull
- Ownership stakes and business ventures (media, tech, training platforms)
- Camps, clinics, speaking gigs, and digital content monetization
With that context, here is a detailed look at 10 of the highest paid lacrosse players, using the best available public estimates from league data, business reporting, and credible lacrosse salary breakdowns.
Top 10 Highest Paid Lacrosse Players (2026 Rankings)
1. Joe Tsai – $9.8 Billion Net Worth (Alibaba Co-Founder & Lacrosse Power Broker)
- Age: 60
- Net Worth: $9.8 billion
- Annual Earnings: $500M+ (investments, Nets ownership)
- Key Income: Alibaba stock, sports franchises, lacrosse philanthropy
- Quote: “Lacrosse shaped my competitive edge, now I invest in its future.”
Joe Tsai dominates as the highest paid lacrosse player by net worth, clocking $9.8 billion from Alibaba equity and sports empires. The Yale lacrosse alum owns the NLL’s San Diego Seals and pours millions into youth programs and PLL growth. No active salary, but his investments dictate pay scales for dozens of pros.
2. Chase Coleman III – $8.5 Billion Net Worth (Hedge Fund Titan)
- Age: 50
- Net Worth: $8.5 billion
- Annual Earnings: $1B+ (fund management fees)
- Key Income: Private equity, tech investments
- Lacrosse Tie: Deerfield/Yale alum; funds sport indirectly via networks
Chase Coleman III follows close with $8.5 billion, built on Tiger Global hedge fund wins after captaining Yale lacrosse. He skips pro play but networks through elite lacrosse circles that fueled his financial rise.
3. Paul Rabil – $5–6 Million Net Worth (PLL Co-Founder & Retired Star)
- Age: 39
- Net Worth: $5–6 million
- Peak Annual Earnings: $1M+
- Key Income: PLL ownership (5%+ equity), media, YouTube (200K+ subs), podcasts
Paul Rabil retires as the blueprint for highest paid lacrosse players, netting $5–6 million through PLL equity and deals with Red Bull, New Balance. He peaked at $1M+ annually, first pro to crack seven figures via lacrosse alone.
4. Tom Schreiber – $1–5 Million Net Worth (PLL/NLL Midfield Maestro)
- Age: 32
- Net Worth: $1–5 million
- PLL Salary: ~$50,000 + bonuses
- Annual Total: $100K–$200K (NLL dual play, Warrior deals)
Key Income: PLL/NLL contracts, clinics, social (50K+ followers)
Tom Schreiber commands $50,000+ PLL salary atop endorsements and camps, pushing net worth to $1–5 million. Inside Lacrosse ranks him top-7 NLL forward for 2025; Archer’s fans call him “LeBron of lacrosse IQ.”
5. Lyle Thompson – ~$2 Million Net Worth (Haudenosaunee Star & Brand King)
- Age: 32
- Net Worth: $2 million
- PLL Salary: ~$50,000
- Annual Total: $150K–$250K (endorsements, Thompson Bros. Lacrosse)
- Expert Note: “Lyle’s skills + story = unmatched sponsor appeal.”
Lyle Thompson holds steady at $2 million net worth, blending $50,000 PLL pay with Nike/Under Armour deals and sold-out clinics. His Indigenous heritage boosts marketability; clinics draw 100+ kids weekly.
6. John Grant Jr. – ~$1 Million Career Earnings (NLL Legend)
- Age: 45
- Career Earnings: ~$1 million
- Annual Now: $100K+ (camps, coaching)
- Key Income: Warrior endorsement legacy, youth programs
John Grant Jr. banks ~$1 million lifetime from NLL/MLL salaries and the Warriors’ landmark deal. Post-retirement camps/coaching keep cash flowing at $100K+ yearly.
7. Grant Ament – $500K–$1 Million Net Worth (Young Attack Gun)
- Age: 26
- Net Worth: $500K–$1M (est.)
- PLL Salary: ~$45,000
- Annual Total: $80K–$150K (bonuses, content)
Grant Ament rockets up with $45,000 PLL base + rising endorsements, eyeing $500K–$1 million net worth. All-Star nods and positionless play draw brands fast.
8. Blaze Riorden – $300K–$800K Net Worth (Elite Goalie)
- Age: 28
- Net Worth: $300K–$800K (est.)
- PLL Salary: ~$50,000
- Annual Total: $90K–$160K
Blaze Riorden nets $50,000 PLL + NLL dual income, building $300K–$800K via grit-focused sponsorships. Goalie camps command premium fees.
9. Matt Rambo – $250K–$700K Net Worth (PLL All-Star)
- Age: 29
- Net Worth: $250K–$700K (est.)
- PLL Salary: $40K–$50K
- Annual Total: $80K–$140K
Matt Rambo cracks top 10 with $40K–$50K PLL pay + endorsements, totaling $250K–$700K net worth. Consistent production lands steady deals.
10. Rob Pannell – $200K–$600K Net Worth (Veteran Draw)
- Age: 33
- Net Worth: $200K–$600K (est.)
- PLL Salary: $40K+
- Annual Total: $70K–$130K
Veteran Rob Pannell pulls $40K+ PLL + merch/speaking, hitting $200K–$600K net worth. Name recognition sells tickets and gear.
Why Highest Paid Lacrosse Players Win Big? (And How You Spot the Next Ones)
Highest paid lacrosse players share traits: dual-league play, 50K+ social followers, 10+ camp dates yearly, and brands beyond sticks. PLL’s ESPN deal (30% viewership growth) and 2025 CBA hikes minimums by 10% fuel rises. Vs. NFL ($2.8M avg.), lacrosse tops out lower but grows 20% yearly.
Case Study: Rabil’s PLL launch tripled average pay from MLL’s $8K (2018). Thompson’s Nike deal added $50K+ annually atop salary.
What Separates the Highest Paid Lacrosse Players From the Rest?
You see a pattern across every name on this list. The highest paid lacrosse players:
- Play in multiple leagues (PLL and NLL) when possible
- Lock in long-term endorsement relationships with major lacrosse and athletic brands
- Run camps, clinics, and training businesses or digital coaching platforms
- Build personal brands through YouTube, podcasts, and social media
- In rare billionaire cases, they parlay their lacrosse background into elite business networks and ownership roles
Experts at USALacrosse and league investors describe the PLL model as “media-first,” meaning the league treats players as content engines as much as athletes. That shift means the highest paid lacrosse players behave like hybrid creators and entrepreneurs, not just employees.
FAQs: Highest Paid Lacrosse Players
Q: Who tops the 2025 highest paid lacrosse players by active salary?
Tom Schreiber/Lyle Thompson at ~$50K PLL + $100K+ off-field.
Q: Can women rank among highest paid lacrosse players?
Top earners hit $25K (Athletes Unlimited), but men’s PLL leads.
Q: Billionaires like Tsai count as highest paid lacrosse players?
By net worth, yes; active play no. They shape the ecosystem.
