ESPN survey reveals 2014 CFL player salaries

A survey released by ESPN and SportingIntelligence.com disclosed the total amount of player salaries among 17 major pro leagues across the world.

Surprisingly, the study revealed the dollar figures of CFL player salaries, which are usually kept confidential by the league and its clubs, as per league policy.

(Source: ESPN and SportingIntelligence.com)

The numbers disclosed are tallied in U.S. currency and are devoid of endorsements, bonuses, appearance fees and any other extra compensation that may be granted to player personnel.

There are a few interesting tidbits.

The total player payroll of the CFL in 2014 was $41.5 million. The L.A. Dodgers' payroll alone was $273 million. Think about that.

The salary cap for CFL teams is $5.05 million CDN a year. The Calgary Stampeders, because of the $736,000 bonus the team received for winning the Grey Cup, compiled a personnel cost above the cap. However, the bonus does not count against it.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats received half that amount for making it to the final game, as Yahoo Sports' Andrew Bucholtz reports.

Last year, the CFLPA went the distance to lobby for a salary cap raise. Players suggested a $4.8-million salary floor, while proposing a $5.8-million cap. Then-commissioner Mark Cohon negated the proposition, with an eventual agreement for a $4.45-million floor and a $5.05-million cap.

Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton were near the cap floor last season, with the Eskimos having the best playoff result with the least amount of money.

Each CFL team's overall salary rank has fallen significantly from last year. This is not necessarily the result of regressing league revenue, but likely due to the inclusion of more than 30 new pro franchises in the 2015 survey.