When Ilona Maher signed a three-month contract with the Bristol Bears in December last year, no one could have predicted the seismic impact she would have. But she knew what it meant to her, saying, “I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group.”
True to her words, the American rugby star didn’t just make waves on the field—she practically caused a tidal shift off it. The buzz around her arrival was so intense that the Bears were forced to abandon their usual 2,000-seat Shaftesbury Park for the much larger 27,000-seat Ashton Gate stadium. And for good reason.
The result? A record-breaking crowd of 9,240 fans packed the stands during one of their home games—an unprecedented figure in the club’s women’s rugby history. The galleries were roaring, the jerseys were flying off the shelves, and the Bears’ ticket revenue saw a healthy boost. A win-win, right? Well, not entirely.
Despite driving massive fan engagement and filling seats like never before, Maher didn’t cash in on the financial windfall. Her three-month contract didn’t come with any extra match fees or bonuses for the surge in attendance. This is where the glaring issue of low pay in women’s rugby reared its head once again.
This time, Ilona herself took to the spotlight, raising concerns about the glaring pay disparity in the sport. Even with her star power bringing in thousands of extra eyes and dollars, she saw no direct financial benefit. In her recent interaction with Marie Claire, the Olympian said, “I don’t think there’s a single women’s rugby player in the world making over £100,000. How can you expect me to focus on the field when I can’t support myself or live a comfortable life?” It’s a familiar story in women’s rugby—a sport still fighting for the recognition (and paychecks) it deserves. And it is quite painful for players like Ilona Maher, who have invested almost everything in the sport. An example may help to learn the issue.
When Ilona Maher signed with the Bristol Bears, she didn’t just add star power to the squad—she became a walking revenue machine! During her brief three-month contract, the 28-year-old American rugby sensation earned somewhere between $36,622 and $42,726. Not bad, right? Until you consider this: a single Bears game during her stint pulled in over $739,220 in ticket sales—thanks largely to Maher’s presence on the field.
Let that sink in. One match brought in nearly 18 times what she earned from the entire contract. The fans came to see her. The club reaped the financial rewards. But Maher? She had to settle for her modest paycheck and keep moving. And she’s well aware of the imbalance. In that same interview, Maher openly shared the bittersweet reality of being a women’s rugby star.
Ilnoa Maher decides to carry on despite facing thorns
“I would love to focus on my sport; I would love to get on the field and just play rugby and make a million dollars. I’d love that. Then I’d go home to my big house and recover for the day. But that’s not possible right now. I’m not going to make a lot of money playing rugby.” Ilona Maher’s words are a stark and sobering confession.
Despite helping fill stadiums and boosting club profits, Maher knows her rugby career won’t bring the kind of wealth that male athletes in other sports enjoy. She’ll keep tackling, sprinting, and scoring, but her bank account won’t reflect the value she brings. Now, add the criticism part.
When Ilona Maher isn’t tearing through defenders, she’s lighting up TikTok and Instagram with her sharp wit and unfiltered charm. But critics were quick to dismiss her as just an “Instagrammer,” belittling her skills and questioning her dedication. Maher, however, knew better. She saw social media as a tool, not a distraction—using it to bring rugby to a broader audience.
Whether breaking down plays or sharing raw moments, she made the sport more relatable and visible. As for her skills? She lets her game do the talking. Every tackle and clutch play is a reminder: Maher is a rugby star first, social media icon second. The critics can keep scrolling.
The post Mocked for Using TikTok, Olympic Bronze Medalist Ilona Maher Exposes Brutal Reality of the Sport: “I Can’t Support Myself” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
