• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 13, 2025

NBA Increases Salary Cap 10% As Teams Struggle With Aprons

The NBA is increasing its salary cap by 10% for the third time in four years.

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The NBA will raise the salary cap by 10% for the 2025–2026 season, bringing the cap number from $140.6 million to $154.6 million, according to ESPN. The bump is the largest possible percent increase allowed by the collective bargaining agreement.

According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, the 10% raise was not a surprise and aligns with the projections the league gave teams last June. This is the third time in four years that the salary cap has increased by the maximum number, though last year was the exception as the cap rose by just 3.4%. 

The NBA has capped its yearly increases at 10% since a cap spike in 2016 triggered by a new media-rights deal saw a 34% year-over-year increase in salary cap. This allowed the Warriors to sign Kevin Durant from the Thunder that offseason.

A Little Reprieve 

Despite the expected outcome, the confirmed increase will help teams navigate through the league’s cap structure that added apron thresholds when the latest collective bargaining agreement took effect last season. Breaching the first- and second-apron thresholds comes with penalties that hamper a team’s roster construction, which include the inability to aggregate salaries in trades and, for repeat violators, the inability to trade certain future first-round picks.

According to data by Spotrac, three teams are projected to be second-apron violators next season: the Celtics, Suns, and Cavaliers. Another three teams are projected to be first-apron violators: the Nuggets, Magic, and Knicks. However, these projections don’t include teams that would breach one of the thresholds once they sign the minimum required players.

Celtics team governor Wyc Grousbeck, who agreed to sell the franchise last week for a record $6.1 billion, acknowledged that on top of the record tax bill his franchise is due next season, the team is also concerned about the “basketball penalties” that come with violating the second apron.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Aces

WNBA Finals Most Viewed In 25 Years Despite Possible Aces Sweep

Games 2 and 3 have averaged more than 1.2 million viewers.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Athlos

Track Start-Up Athlos Makes ‘Millions’ but No Profit Yet

Alexis Ohanian called being profitable by the 2028 Olympics a “great goal.”
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
October 9, 2025

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Cheryl Reeve
October 10, 2025

WNBA Officiating Task Force Still Taking Shape After Outcry

How refs are trained and instructed was a major issue this year.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
October 8, 2025

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.