Total Pro Sports
Social media was stunned to learn just how little the NHL’s No. 1 pick (this year, Matthew Schaefer to the New York Islanders) compared to the top choices in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
As most expected, the lucky winners of the 2025 NHL Draft lottery used the top pick on Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.
After Schaefer was drafted, Front Office Sports posted the difference in his rookie pay ($975,000) compared to the No .1 picks in the NFL, NBA and MLB.
Cam Ward, who went first overall to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, is getting an $8.84 million salary. Cooper Flagg of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks is getting $13.8 million, with the No. 1 pick of MLB (projected to be LSU pitcher Kade Anderson) set to get $11.8 million.
Not all salaries are created equal.
Here are the first year salaries for the #1 picks in the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL in 2025. pic.twitter.com/jH91bahwzd
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 28, 2025
Insane: 1st year salaries for the #1 overall pick in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA.
• NHL – $975K+
• NFL – $8.84 Million
• MLB – $11.08 Million
• NBA – $13.8 MillionThese young stars are getting PAID 🤯🤯
(via @FOS) pic.twitter.com/enCEK70j0o
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 28, 2025
Sports fans had a lot to say upon learning that Matthew Schaefer’s $975,000 salary is a fraction of the other No. 1 picks of 2025.
“Poor guy, hope he scrapes up enough funds to get through his first season. That’s pocket change for a guy like me,” a fan said.
Poor guy, hope he scrapes up enough funds to get through his first season. That’s pocket change for a guy like me
— bennymac (@bennymac2186873) June 28, 2025
“this is like stating apples and oranges are the same because they are about the same shape… because sport payments go on the money generated from viewers/supporters numbers… and not on the ability of the sports people themselves,” another quipped.
this is like stating apples and oranges are the same because they are about the same shape… because sport payments go on the money generated from viewers/supporters numbers… and not on the ability of the sports people themselves.
— Stanley Waite (@stanleywaite1) June 28, 2025
“That’s a big drop off to the NHL,” said a fan.
That’s a big drop off to the NHL
— The Option Trader and Dividend Investor (@DividendInves11) June 28, 2025
“MLB is that high!???” asked another.
MLB is that high!???
— T (@bobbybouche__) June 28, 2025
“Sheesh, the NBA really ballin’ out huh 🤑,” a fan commented.
Sheesh, the NBA really ballin' out huh 🤑
— jaime (@jaime_solis) June 28, 2025
***“It’s more amazing the NHL makes next to nothing...
