The highest-paid player on Portland Timbers is typically one of the club's Designated Players. MLS player salary data is released by the MLS Players Association, providing guaranteed compensation figures for all players across the league.
Designated Players occupy the top of the pay scale at every MLS club, as their salaries exceed the maximum budget charge. Portland Timbers's highest earner reflects the club's investment strategy and the type of talent they prioritize. The gap between a team's highest-paid player and its lowest-paid player can be significant, sometimes exceeding a 50:1 ratio, which is one of the most extreme salary disparities in North American professional sports.