No State Tax Teams vs. High Tax States: The Real Difference to Your Paycheck
If you play for the Miami Heat instead of the Los Angeles Lakers, you could be pocketing over a million dollars more per year — on the same contract. The difference? State income tax.
Here's a breakdown of which states take the most, which take nothing, and exactly how much it matters.
The Zero-Tax Club
These states have no state income tax. If your home team is here, you avoid the biggest single deduction outside of federal taxes:
| State | NBA Teams | NFL Teams | NHL Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs | Cowboys, Texans | Stars |
| Florida | Heat, Magic | Dolphins, Jaguars, Buccaneers | Panthers, Lightning |
| Tennessee | Grizzlies | Titans | Predators |
| Nevada | — | Raiders | Golden Knights |
| Washington | — | Seahawks | Kraken |
MLB adds the Rangers and Astros (Texas), Rays and Marlins (Florida), and Mariners (Washington) to the zero-tax list.
The Highest-Tax States
At the other end, these states take a significant bite:
| State | Top Rate | Notable Teams |
|---|---|---|
| California | 13.3% | Lakers, Warriors, 49ers, Dodgers |
| New York | 10.9% | Knicks, Nets, Bills, Yankees |
| New Jersey | 10.75% | Giants, Jets, Devils |
| Minnesota | 9.85% | Timberwolves, Vikings, Wild, Twins |
The Real Math: California vs. Texas on a $10M Contract
Let's say you sign a $10 million contract. Here's what state taxes alone do:
• Texas (0%): You pay $0 in state income tax.
• California (13.3%): You pay approximately $1,330,000 in state income tax.
That's a $1.33 million difference — just from choosing one team over another.
But Don't Forget the Jock Tax
Even if you play for a no-tax team, you still owe taxes for every away game played in a state that does tax income. So playing for the Heat doesn't completely shield you from California taxes — you'll still pay when you visit the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, and Kings. Read our full breakdown: What Is the Jock Tax?
Compare your take-home pay between any two teams side-by-side:
Try the Free Calculator →Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional.
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