Sources: NBA cap to increase by 10% in ’25-26

The NBA informed teams Tuesday that it intends the salary cap to increase 10% for the 2025-26 season, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

The growth in the salary cap next season is the maximum allowed and aligns with projections the NBA sent teams last June. In a memo sent to teams, the league said the salary cap is projected to be $154.6 million and the luxury tax is projected to be $187.9 million.

In addition, the first apron projects to be $195.9 million and the second apron $207.8 million — higher by $17.8 from this season. Teams were also informed that those below the luxury tax projects to receive a $11.5 million distribution from the ten tax-paying teams.

Despite the growth in the salary cap, ESPN projects only the Brooklyn Nets to have more than $50 million in cap space next year. The list of potential star free agents this summer include LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and James Harden; all three have a player option for next season.