Overview
- State lawmakers passed SB 6346 to levy a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million, with Gov. Bob Ferguson signaling support and the first payments scheduled for 2029.
- Seahawks GM John Schneider said the change will “sting” recruiting and reported agents have already told him Seattle can no longer pitch the no–income-tax advantage.
- Because the NFL has a hard salary cap, teams cannot simply raise offers to offset players’ higher state tax bills, complicating Seattle’s ability to match after‑tax pay.
- Athletes’ state liabilities are allocated by duty days, so a home‑state tax would hit a large share of players’ income, and the 2026 NFL minimum over $1 million means many players would be affected if the law takes effect.
- Reaction across the league is mixed, with Richard Sherman saying it will be a factor but not a deal-breaker, and media commentary floating—but not adopting—ideas to adjust the salary cap for state tax differences.