One of the biggest issues dividing Major League Baseball and the Players Association (MLBPA) with respect to forthcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations is the potential implementation of a salary cap.
The players remain strongly against an MLB salary cap as it would limit their potential earnings, while the league believes implementing one is necessary to improve competitive balance across the sport.
As it currently stands, MLB is the only major North American professional sports league without a salary cap. The NFL, NBA and NHL all use one with their own variations and intricacies.
During an appearance on “Good Sports With Kevin Hart & Kenan Thompson,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cited the NBA’s model as something he could get behind in terms of a possible MLB salary cap:
“You know what? I’m all right with that. I think the NBA has done a nice job of revenue sharing with the players and the owners. But if you’re going to kind of suppress spending at the top, I think that you got to raise the floor to make those bottom-feeders spend money, too.”
The NBA salary cap is determined annually based on a percentage of the league’s revenue and designed to ensure competitive balance by limiting total player payroll spending.
Teams must also reach a salary floor — usually at least 90% of the cap — which is something many have called for in MLB.
The NBA also uses a soft cap, which allows teams to go over through exceptions. However, teams that go over the line must pay a tax on the excess amount — similar to MLB’s competitive balance tax threshold.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred wants to avoid losing games
If a salary cap ends up being a sticking point for team owners, MLB could be facing a possible work stoppage. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark previously said the union would not be receptive to any salary cap proposals in the next round of CBA talks.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently said it is his top priority to ensure the league doesn’t lose any games in 2027 if a lockout occurs.
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) set to expire on Dec. 1, 2026.
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