The Super Bowl isn’t just a legacy definer for players. It is the ultimate accomplishment in the ultimate team sport. But beyond the fame and the accolades, the victory represents a significant financial bonus as well. For players, the monetary benefits align with the main goal of the sport.
But what are the incentives that players earn for the big game?
What Are the Super Bowl Incentives?
Every year, each member of the winning team in the Super Bowl receives a significant bonus to their already agreed-upon salary.
This year, that number is at $171,000, up $7,000 from last season, when each member of the Kansas City Chiefs earned $164,000. However, these incentives aren’t just limited to the winning team in the Super Bowl.
For each round of the playoffs, the NFL allocates certain funds to reward players who had the best season. For Division winners, that number is at $54,500, whereas for the Wild Card Round winners or a potential Bye-Week candidate, the number goes to $49,500.
As the rounds progress, the number keeps on increasing, with the Divisional Round victors gaining $54,500 before earning an additional $77,000 for the Conference Championship.
Making it to the Super Bowl, however, gives the number a significant bump. Even for the losing team, each member is allocated $96,000, whereas the winning team gets $171,000, as specified above.
Since both the Chiefs and the Eagles already had their Divisions secured, the winning team is going to net each member of its roster an extra $502,500.
But, for some players, the incentives go beyond that. In certain contracts, specific incentives for the Super Bowl are already in place. Three of arguably the most important players in Sunday’s game are among them.
Players With Individual Incentives
Saquon Barkley
The ninth player in league history to cross 2,000 rushing yards in a single regular season, Saquon Barkley has the chance to break Terrell Davis’ record of rushing yards, including the playoffs, with just 30 yards in the Super Bowl.
But his incentives rely upon the Eagles winning the match itself, which would bring his total of incentives to $1.5 million after already cashing in $250,000 for the Eagles’ NFC Championship win.
For the Super Bowl itself, Barkley will make an additional $500,000 split between a bonus and a portion to be added to his 2025 salary.
Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia’s quarterback has faced questions about his ability multiple times throughout the year. But if he can pull off a Super Bowl victory, the $42 million that he earned in 2024 will increase significantly.
Rather than a direct bonus, a Super Bowl win would ensure that Jalen Hurts earns an additional $500,000 a year over the next four seasons, totaling $2 million.
Patrick Mahomes
Looking for his fourth Super Bowl ring in 5 attempts. Patrick Mahomes is a chance to tie Joe Montana for the second most Super Bowl wins for a quarterback in NFL history.
However, his victory could also ensure that he earns an additional $1.25 million, which will be added to his 2025 salary.