Is a new contract required in order to purchase an iPhone 6?

I was just wondering if I could purchase a plain iPhone 6 without having to sign up for a contract first, because I have a pay as you go plan with verizon, it's just $45.00 a month. I have an older iPhone. I wanted to purchase the new one, but I can't purchase one off of the Apple site unless I sign up for a contract, or get T-Mobile (without the contract) but I don't have, or want T-Mobile. Just wondering if that's mandatory; a contract. Is there another site to purchase a phone off of where it's JUST the phone, then you switch your number over to it?

Pay for the phone full price and you do not have to worry about a contract. If the only way you can get a phone is to make payments, you will be forced into a contract. Pretty simple really. A contract is a promise to make all your phone payments.

Don't want a contract, pay full retail up front.
Want to make payments, time for a contract.

You can buy ANY phone without a contract. The retail price generally runs $400 - $600 more than the same phone with a 2 year contract.

Yeah, but it won't let me purchase the phone contract-free is basically what I was trying to say UNLESS I have T-Mobile, or get it.