Monday December 4, 2023

NFL Salary Cap Could Break Record

  • The NFL and NFLPA agreed to a maximum salary cap for the upcoming season.
  • The final cap will be determined in February.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The NFL looks set to have the first truly post-pandemic season.

The league has cash pouring in from its new $100 billion-plus media deals and expects full-capacity crowds next year — so its salary cap may top $200 million for the first time ever. 

The league and its players’ association agreed to a salary cap maximum of $208.2 million in 2022. This is not the cap itself, just the maximum number it could reach for that season. 

The cap, which is based on league revenues, went down for only the second time in history in 2021, to $182.5 million from $198.2 million in 2020. The NFL and NFLPA agreed to spread pandemic losses over multiple years, but that could be quickly counteracted by new and expected revenue.

  • 30 of 32 teams have received approval to open games at full capacity when the season kicks off in September. The Colts and Broncos are awaiting local approval. 
  • Total attendance last season was just 1.2 million, compared to 17 million the year before.
  • The league agreed to $113 billion in new media deals from 2022-2033, and an estimated $1 billion in data rights over the next four years.
  • The league will add a 17th game for each team to its schedule, starting with the 2021-2022 season.

Should final revenue projections dictate a cap above the $208.2 maximum, excess funds will go toward paying back the $17 million in player benefits that were cancelled due to the pandemic. The final figure will be set next February.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Commanders Spend Big On Current Home While Planning New Stadium

The Washington Commanders will keep upgrading FedEx Field.

Pittsburgh Seeks the Spoils of NFL Draft Traveling Road Show

NFL team looks to host key league event on Pittsburgh's North Shore.
The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Philadelphia Eagles Continue To Be NFL’s Biggest Draw

Philadelphia was once again in one of the NFL's most-watched games.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA Womens Basketball Final Four National Championship at American Airlines Center.
November 6, 2023

Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s College Basketball Coach?

LSU rewarded Kim Mulkey after winning a national title after her second year leading the program.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
PFL Bellator

PFL Completes Acquisition of Bellator, Readies to Challenge UFC

“Today, the MMA market changed,” PFL Founder Donn Davis said.
CAA logo on side on building
November 13, 2023

CAA Forms Sports-Focused Investment Bank In Continued Expansion Push

Powerhouse agency looks to further expand dealmaking capabilities
November 14, 2023

German Soccer Pushing $1.1B Rights Deal To Private Equity Investors

Governing body mounting third attempt for outside investment
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell drives on the track during the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix Launch Party at Las Vegas Strip.
November 10, 2023

Ticket, Hotel Prices Plummet As Las Vegas GP Nears

Lack of competitive drama for F1 event fuels market crash
November 9, 2023

McMahon Selling $713M In TKO Stock, CEO Emanuel Could Be A Buyer

Bombshell announcement to bring big changes to company's ownership structure
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts wears the ALS Lou Gehrig Day and Motorola patches during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park.
November 8, 2023

Major U.S. Sports Leagues Pull In Record $6.7B in Ad Revenue

Major U.S. sports leagues and teams saw big increases in ad revenues.
November 8, 2023

Sports A Bright Spot For Endeavor Amid Ongoing Turbulence

Majority interest in TKO, PBR fuel notable gains for company