Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider spoke out on March 13, 2026. He warned that the new 9.9% tax in Washington will hurt the team. This tax hits people who earn over $1M every year. It starts in 2029.
“It’s gonna sting; there’s no question about it,” Schneider explained on The John Schneider Show onSeattle Sports 710 AM. “All the pro teams here in town, it’s always been a huge attraction, especially competing with the California teams.”
The NFL has a strict salary cap. Teams can only spend a certain amount on players. If a player loses 9.9% of their pay to taxes, they might ask for more money. This leaves less money for the rest of the roster.
Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“It’s going to be a significant challenge for us in terms of recruiting and retaining players,” Schneider said during a press conference. He noted that agents always look at the take home pay for their clients.
Other teams in states like Florida or Nevada do not have this tax. This means a $10M contract in Miami is worth much more than a $10M contract in Seattle. Schneider thinks this gap will drive talent away.
The law passed the state Senate with a very close vote. Supporters say the money will help schools and roads. However, sports leaders fear it ruins the local sports economy. This change impacts the Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken.
If the Seahawks have to pay more to cover the tax, they might sign fewer depth players. This could make the team weaker on the field. Fans are worried about the future of the franchise.
Why the 9.9% tax matters for John Schneider’s Seattle Seahawks
The new law creates a big shift for pro athletes. Before this, Washington was a top destination because players kept more of their checks. Now they face a high cost for staying in Seattle.
A player earning $10M will pay $891,000 in this new tax. That is nearly $1M gone every year. In places like Dallas or Tampa, that player keeps all that money. This is a huge gap.
Agents often use tax calculators to compare team offers. If the Seahawks offer the same money as the Cowboys, the Cowboys win. The Seahawks must offer almost 10% more just to be equal.
This tax also affects coaches and front office staff. Many high-level scouts and executives earn over $1M. The Seahawks might struggle to keep the best staff in the building. Schneider says the team must find new ways to stay competitive.