Basketball players’ earnings in Poland depend on many factors, such as the league level, player’s skills, experience, role in the team and the club’s budget. The Polish basketball market is not the most lucrative in Europe, but it still offers the opportunity to earn decent money, especially for the best players.
Earnings in different leagues
Energa Basket Liga (EBL)
This is the highest level of basketball competitions in Poland. Players’ earnings in the EBL vary greatly.
The best players (so-called team leaders): They can earn from PLN 20,000 to PLN 50,000 per month. These are often foreigners brought in to strengthen the team.
Average level of players: Earnings are approximately PLN 10,000-20,000 per month. This applies to Polish players with experience in the league and solid foreigners.
Young players and substitutes: They can count on remuneration from PLN 5,000 to PLN 10,000 per month.
1. League
At the EBL level, salaries are much lower. Club budgets are limited, and basketball at this level often combines professional and semi-amateur sports.
Salaries range from PLN 3,000 to PLN 10,000 per month.
Team leaders can earn more, but these are exceptions.
Lower leagues (2nd League, amateur leagues)
In the lower leagues, salaries are very symbolic or non-existent. Many players treat the game as a passion, not their main source of income.
Salaries in the 2nd league often range from several hundred to several thousand zlotys, depending on the club and region.
Additional sources of income
Basketball players in Poland, especially those playing in the highest leagues, can count on additional sources of income:
Performance Bonuses: Clubs often offer bonuses for victories, advancing to the play-offs or winning a championship.
Sponsorship contracts: Top players can sign deals with sports brands such as sports equipment manufacturers.
Off-season work: Some players earn extra money by conducting individual training, sports camps or working in sports clubs.
Cost of living for a basketball player
It is worth remembering that part of the player’s living costs are covered by the clubs. Contracts often include provisions regarding:
Accommodation (apartment or hotel).
Meals (e.g. dinners in restaurants).
A company car or reimbursement of transport costs.
Perspective in Europe
For comparison, earnings in the Polish league are much lower than in countries such as Spain, Turkey, Russia or Italy, where the best players can earn hundreds of thousands of euros a year. This means that many talented Polish players try to develop their careers abroad, where they can count on higher remuneration and better sports conditions.
Summary
Basketball in Poland offers players the opportunity to earn money, but the level of remuneration depends on the league and role in the team. Although the top league provides decent wages for top players, the average salary in Polish basketball still remains relatively low compared to European standards. That is why many Polish players treat playing in the national league as a stage on the way to greater sports and financial challenges.