If you’re a water polo player or considering taking up the sport, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get paid for playing. The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just joining a team and receiving a salary. Water polo is not a widely popular sport, and professional opportunities are limited. However, with dedication, skill, and a bit of luck, you can earn money playing water polo.
Water polo players in the United States can earn an average salary of $52,000, with the lowest salary around $46,000 and the highest around $60,000, according to Sporting Portals. However, these figures are for professional players, and the United States does not have a professional water polo league. Instead, most players earn money through club teams or by competing internationally.
If you’re interested in pursuing a professional water polo career, it’s important to understand the challenges and opportunities. While the sport may not offer the same financial rewards as more popular sports like basketball or football, it can provide a fulfilling career and the chance to compete at the highest levels. In the following sections, we’ll explore the different ways you can earn money playing water polo and what it takes to succeed in the sport.
Professional Water Polo Leagues
If you are interested in playing water polo professionally, you may be wondering if there are any professional water polo leagues. The answer is yes, but the opportunities are limited. Here are some of the major professional water polo leagues:
Major League Water Polo
Major League Water Polo (MLWP) is a professional water polo league in the United States. The league was founded in 2018 and currently has six teams. The league’s mission is to “grow the sport of water polo in the United States and provide opportunities for athletes to play professionally.”
MLWP has a salary cap of $150,000 per team and players can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 per season. However, the league is still in its infancy and it is unclear how sustainable it will be in the long term.
FINA Water Polo World League
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) organizes the FINA Water Polo World League, an international professional water polo league.
The league features teams from around the world and is divided into two divisions: the Super Final and the Intercontinental Cup.
The Super Final is the top division of the league and features the best teams from around the world. The Intercontinental Cup is the second division and features teams from developing water polo countries.
The league offers prize money to the top teams, with the winning team receiving $100,000. However, the league is primarily focused on promoting the sport of water polo and providing opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Overall, while there are professional water polo leagues, the opportunities are limited and the salaries are not as high as other professional sports. However, if you are passionate about water polo and want to play at the highest level, there are opportunities out there for you.
Salaries in Professional Water Polo
Factors Affecting Salaries
When it comes to salaries in professional water polo, there are several factors that can affect how much a player gets paid. The level of competition, skill, and experience are all important factors to consider.
Additionally, the location of the team and the league they play in can also play a role in determining salaries. For example, in the United States, there are no professional water polo leagues, so players who want to make a living from the sport often have to look to other countries.
In Europe, there are several professional water polo leagues, and players who compete in these leagues can earn a decent living.
Average Salaries
The salaries for professional water polo players can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a water polo player in the United States is $81,029 per year, with an average salary of $55,567 per year.
However, this number may not be representative of all professional water polo players, as it is based on salaries collected from Glassdoor users. In the United States, the national governing body for water polo is USA Water Polo.
According to their website, the average salary for a professional water polo player in the United States is around $50,000-$70,000 per year. However, this number can vary depending on the level of competition and experience of the player.
In Europe, the salaries for professional water polo players can be much higher. According to a Reddit thread, top pro players in Europe can earn a couple hundred thousand dollars per year, while the average salary is likely closer to a living wage.
Overall, salaries in professional water polo can vary widely depending on several factors. While some players may be able to earn a decent living from the sport, others may struggle to make ends meet.
Alternative Ways to Get Paid for Water Polo
Sponsorship and Endorsements
If you are a highly skilled water polo player, you may be able to secure sponsorship or endorsement deals. This means that companies will pay you to wear their gear, use their products, or promote their brand.
To attract sponsors or endorsements, you will need to have a strong social media presence and a large following. You can also reach out to companies directly and pitch yourself as a potential brand ambassador.
Teaching Water Polo
Another way to get paid by playing in water polo is by teaching the sport. You can offer private lessons to individuals or groups, or you can work as a coach for a school or club team.
To become a certified water polo coach, you will need to complete a training program and pass a certification exam. You can find coaching opportunities through job boards, social media, or by networking with other coaches and players.
Participating in Tournaments and Competitions
If you are a competitive water polo player, you can get paid by playing in tournaments and competitions. Some tournaments offer cash prizes to the winning teams, and some competitions pay appearance fees to the players. You can find tournaments and competitions by searching online, or by networking with other players and coaches.
Overall, while it may be difficult to make a living solely from playing water polo, there are alternative ways to earn money from the sport. By securing sponsorships or endorsements, teaching water polo, or participating in tournaments and competitions, you can supplement your income and continue to pursue your passion for the sport.
