Something rarely mentioned when NFL players sign with teams is income tax. Similar to jobs that are not televised, NFL income tax affects how much one might see in their paychecks. Many of the Oakland Raiders face a 13.3 percent income tax rate.
Steep
For example, 13.3% of Antonio Brown’s $12.6 million base salary is $1.675, 800.
While not every player will see $1 million withheld from their paychecks, every player to join a team in California will see a relatively large amount of money missing.
Again, California’s income tax is not the end of the world. However, but it can lead to disappointment when your team struggles. Playing on a losing team will sour anyone. In addition, add in tax rates and the frustrations mount. But playing for a promising, up-and-coming team in a state with no income tax can provide players with motivation.
Bright Side
Fortunately, for the Raiders, the team will soon move to Las Vegas, Nevada. While some may see Las Vegas as a desert city fueled by tourism, the Raiders will soon see Las Vegas. More importantly, Nevadans do not pay any income tax
For example, 0% of Antonio Brown’s $12.6 million base salary is $0.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Some fans believe that NFL players joined the league and continue to risk their well-being due to the love of the game. Granted, while some do, the money involved is a major deciding factor.
History
Six other states have no state income taxes. Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Washington are the states that not only have no income tax, but also host (or will host) an NFL team. This means the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and the 2020 (and beyond) Oakland Raiders will not have to pay an income tax.
These cities can be considered attractive cities for players to live, but they all pale in comparison to Las Vegas. Las Vegas is an international entertainment hub. From shows to casinos to indoor skydiving, Las Vegas has it all.
People fail to recognize that players have lives outside of the NFL season. The players are not at practice facilities every waking moment of their summers. Players will go home and relax, but may want to stay close to their team’s facilities.
If a player is looking for a fun place to spend all the money they just saved by not paying sales taxes, why wouldn’t they go to Las Vegas?