Boomers star Jack McVeigh is back in the NBL, returning from his debut season in the NBA.
With a number of teams eager to secure the signature of the former Grand Final hero, it was the Cairns Taipans who ultimately won the race, bringing in McVeigh to combine with an impressive local core of Reyne Smith and Sam Waardenburg.
He didn't come cheaply, reportedly becoming the highest-paid player in Taipans history, but how does Jack McVeigh's new contract compare to some of the other big names in the Australian league?
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Jack McVeigh entered rarified air when he signed with the Cairns Taipans, inking a two-year deal worth $2 million, according to his agency Mogul sports.
Not only does this break the record for the biggest contract given by the Far North Queensland team, but it also sees McVeigh become one of just four million dollar men in the NBL.
McVeigh joins Sydney's Xavier Cooks, Adelaide's Bryce Cotton, and Perth's Jo Lual-Acuil in signing a seven-figure deal, in what has been one of the splashiest off-seasons in NBL history.
This is a rapid rise for Australia's domestic league, who just 15 years ago saw the total salary cap sit at the million dollar mark, a change indicative of the calibre of talent the NBL has been able to foster, both from local players and star imports.
"I know that the Club were aiming for a marquee-type signing throughout the off-season and knowing that it was a real possibility changed everything about the type of roster we could build," Cairns coach Adam Forde said following the blockbuster signing.
"I couldn’t be happier that it’s Jack – I think if you could pick the characteristics of an ideal marquee - he ticks them all. From his character to his work ethic, Jack has shown consistency throughout his entire career. His impact in the NBL and on the world stage in the NBA and Olympics is undeniable, and we look forward to him bringing that same energy to Cairns."
Jack McVeigh continues to make his case for an NBA contract, with back-to-back 20-point performances 🔥
— NBL (@NBL) July 18, 2025
20 PTS | 3 3PM | 1 REB pic.twitter.com/LC8s2JWknX
After an impressive NBL career with Adelaide and then Tasmania led to a maiden title for the JackJumpers, 2024 Grand Final MVP McVeigh realised his NBA dreams during the 2024-25 season, signing a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets and appearing in nine games for the team that finished second in the Western Conference.
McVeigh was waived by the team this off-season, and after an impressive showing for Atlanta at NBA Summer League, he will now return to Australia, strengthening an already star-studded NBL player pool.
By signing his new deal, McVeigh also becomes just the fifth Queensland-based athlete to reportedly earn a million or more per year, alongside NRL players David Fifita, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and Payne Haas, as well as AFL player Ben King.