NFL sets 2025 salary cap at $279.2M, a $23.8M jump

Field Level Media|published: Thu 27th February, 13:48 2025

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; A general overall view as NFC quarterback Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions (16) throws the ball on the NFL shield logo at midfield under pressure from AFC safety Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers (3) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL teams were informed on Thursday that the 2025 salary cap will be a record $279.2 million per club, a $23.8 million increase from last season.

The NFL and the players association agreed to the number that the 32 teams must be under when the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

It had been previously reported that this year's cap would be somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million.

The biggest factors contributing to the cap's climb are the league's most recent TV rights deals with its broadcast partners.

The cap has risen annually since 2011, except for 2021 when the league prioritized recovery from the pandemic, including loss of live attendance gate and concessions profits.

In 2011, the cap was $120.37 million. It crossed the $200 million barrier in 2022 at $208.2 million and was at $255.4 million last season.

--Field Level Media