The BC Lions operate under the CFL’s 2025 salary cap of $6,062,365 CAD. Quarterback Nathan Rourke leads the roster as the league’s highest-paid player at $624,200 CAD.
The team enters 2025 under new head coach Ryan Pierce after Rick Campbell joined the Ottawa Redblacks. With six Grey Cup championships, the Lions remain one of the CFL’s flagship franchises.
Discover the BC Lions players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Chase Brice | James Butler | Stanley Berryhill |
| Jeremiah Masoli | Zander Horvath | Jevon Cottoy |
| Nathan Rourke | Jordan Terrell | Ayden Eberhardt |
| Keon Hatcher | ||
| Ezechiel Tieide | ||
| Justin McInnis | ||
| Kieran Poissant | ||
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid BC Lions Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Notes |
| 1 | Nathan Rourke | QB | $624,200 | CFL’s highest-paid player |
| 2 | Mathieu Betts | DL | ~$260,000 | Top defensive lineman |
| 3 | Justin McInnis | WR | $250,000 | First Canadian to lead CFL receiving since 2010 |
| 4 | Dewayne Hendrix | DT | $154,000 | Key 2025 free agent signing |
| 5 | James Butler | RB | ~$120,000 | Starting running back |
Quarterbacks dominate CFL payrolls league-wide. Nine QBs rank among the top 25 highest-paid players. The Lions’ investment in Rourke reflects his unique value as a Canadian-born quarterback with NFL experience.
Key Free Agent Signings
Beyond the top earners, the Lions built depth through value contracts this offseason:
- Jeremiah Masoli (QB): ~$120,000 max value, hard money under $100,000
- Brayden Lenius (WR): $83,800 hard money plus yardage incentives
- Rysen John (WR): $84,000 hard money with standard award bonuses
- Dewayne Hendrix (DT): $154,000 hard money, key defensive addition
These signings show how the Lions balance Rourke’s elite salary with roster depth. Value contracts allow flexibility under the hard cap.
Nathan Rourke Contract Breakdown
Rourke restructured his deal in January 2025 after returning from the Atlanta Falcons. His contract pays $624,200 in hard money plus $200,000 in marketing money that doesn’t count against the cap. This drops his cap hit to $424,200 CAD.
The Victoria, BC native has completed 72% of his passes for 5,884 yards across 33 games. His 2022 breakout drew NFL interest, leading to stints with multiple teams:
Looking ahead, Rourke’s contract pays $809,000 CAD in hard money for 2026. He represents one of the rare Canadian-born starting quarterbacks in CFL history.
BC Lions Coaching Staff & Management
Ryan Pierce takes over as head coach for 2025 after Rick Campbell was relieved of duties. Campbell joined the Ottawa Redblacks as special teams coordinator.
Current Front Office:
- Head Coach: Ryan Pierce (first season)
- General Manager: Neil McEvoy
- Previous HC: Rick Campbell (2020-2024)
CFL head coaches typically earn between $200,000 and $400,000 CAD annually. Exact figures stay private for most teams. Unlike Saskatchewan’s community-owned model, the Lions operate privately without coaching salary transparency.
How CFL Salaries Work at BC Lions
The 2025 salary cap increased 9.7% from 2024 due to league revenue growth. Here’s how the system breaks down:
- Hard cap: $6,062,365 CAD with no exceptions
- Minimum salary: $70,000 CAD
- Starting QB range: $300,000-$500,000 CAD
- Marketing money: Doesn’t count against cap
Canadian players like McInnis and Rourke carry premium value. CFL rules require a minimum number of national players on the field. This “ratio” system means Canadian-born players often command higher salaries than American counterparts.
BC Lions Grey Cup History
The Lions have won six Grey Cup championships throughout franchise history:
- 1964 vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- 1985 vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- 1994 vs Baltimore CFLers
- 2000 vs Montreal Alouettes
- 2006 vs Montreal Alouettes
- 2011 vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers
David Braley purchased the franchise in 1997 during turbulent times. Under his ownership until 2020, the Lions captured three Grey Cup titles. Vancouver hosted the 111th Grey Cup in November 2024 at BC Place.
Financial Reality for BC Lions Players
The average CFL salary sits around $73,200 USD, roughly $100,000 CAD. Most Lions players outside top earners fall into middle-class income territory.
Player earnings breakdown:
- Top earners (Rourke, McInnis): $250,000+ CAD
- Mid-roster veterans: $100,000-$150,000 CAD
- Minimum salary players: $70,000 CAD
- NFL minimum comparison: ~$750,000 USD
Vancouver’s high cost of living makes financial planning critical. Many players maintain off-season jobs in coaching, sales, or training. The NFL minimum dwarfs even the CFL’s highest contracts, driving talented players to pursue American opportunities.
FAQs
How much does Nathan Rourke make?
Rourke earns $624,200 CAD in hard money for 2025, making him the CFL’s highest-paid player. He also receives $200,000 in off-cap marketing money.
What is the CFL salary cap for 2025?
The 2025 salary cap is $6,062,365 CAD per team. This represents a 9.7% increase from the 2024 cap of $5,525,000 CAD.
Why did Rick Campbell leave the BC Lions?
Campbell was relieved of coaching duties after the 2024 season. He joined the Ottawa Redblacks as special teams coordinator in January 2025.
How many Grey Cups have the BC Lions won?
The Lions have won six Grey Cup championships. Their titles came in 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2011.
Can BC Lions players make a living year-round?
Top earners make $250,000+ CAD annually and live comfortably. Most roster players earn $70,000-$150,000 CAD and often need off-season jobs.
