Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown recently made headlines by inking a historic five-year contract worth a staggering $304 million. The deal is the richest in NBA history, elevating Brown’s status as one of the league’s top-paid players. However, the eye-popping figure of $304 million doesn’t quite reflect the actual net income that Brown will take home. Various taxes and fees need to be taken into account too!
Brown’s historic contract with the Boston Celtics highlights NBA’s extraordinary financial landscape. While the headlines tout the $304 million figure; the reality of net income after taxes and fees sheds light on the importance of financial planning for athletes. However, Brown’s significant loss in his income can be laid back all the way to Michael Jordan.
Jaylen Brown’s hefty contract will see a significant loss
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For many NBA players, the Jock Tax, a tax rule targeting athletes’ earnings, plays a crucial role in shaping their financial landscape. With Jaylen Brown’s record contract, this tax rule has the potential to affect his net income significantly. Despite the jaw-dropping deal, Brown’s net income after accounting for various taxes and fees is significantly lower.
@AndrewPetcash offers a closer look at the financial breakdown revealing that his actual net income is substantially lower. After factoring in various taxes and fees, he breaks his earnings into a hefty salary of $60.8 million.
A significant $22.5 million worth of federal taxes can follow the hefty salary. After which NBA escrow needs to be considered, worth $6 million. Another $1.8 million for agent fees, $1.4 million for FICA/Medicare, $1.8 million for the Jock Tax, and finally, $2.7 million for Massachusetts tax.
Though still a considerable sum, the difference between the headline figure and his net income showcases the impact of taxes on the earnings of top NBA players. If we take this through his final year contract 2028-29, the tax will roughly amount to 3%, of his contract value, approximately $9.1 million.
Jaylen Brown just signed the richest deal in NBA history (5 years $304 million).
Here's how much he will actually earn: 😲
$60.8M: Salary
–
$22.5M: Federal Tax
$6M: NBA Escrow
$1.8M: Agent Fee
$1.4M: FICA/Medicare
$1.8M: Jock Tax
$2.7M: Massachusetts Tax
=
$24.5M: Net Income pic.twitter.com/1aPQy6dg0s— Andrew Petcash (@AndrewPetcash) July 25, 2023
After subtracting these taxes and fees from his total salary, Brown’s net income stands at approximately $24.5 million. While $24.5 million is still a substantial amount, it’s a stark contrast to the initial $304 million figure that garnered headlines.
The Michael Jordan Effect
In the annals of NBA history, Michael Jordan’s illustrious career is a prime example of how off-court earnings often surpass impressive NBA salaries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Throughout his time in the league, Jordan earned $93 million in salary. However, it was his unparalleled success in the endorsement game that catapulted him into a new stratosphere of wealth. Following MJ’s 1991 NBA Championship, his victory against the Los Angeles Lakers in the state of California triggered tax implications known as the Jock Tax. This tax rule expanded its reach to other athletes, impacting their earnings based on the states and cities they played in during the season.
For NBA players like Jaylen Brown, understanding the implications of the Jock Tax and other fees is crucial in navigating the complex financial landscape of professional sports.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Jock Tax remains a constant consideration for athletes across various sports, including basketball and soccer. This is something that also affected Soccer great Lionel Messi upon joining MLS.
Watch This Story: LeBron James vibing to $80,000,000 worth rapper sends NBA fans on a laughing riot once again