MLB’s Highest Luxury-Tax Payroll Team Could Make History

MLB’s Highest Luxury-Tax Payroll Team Could Make History

October 20, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History
The Los Angeles Dodgers had the highest luxury-tax payroll in the MLB this season. The team had a $416.9 million luxury-tax payroll. The Dodgers aim to become the first back-to-back MLB champions since the Yankees won three titles in a row from 1998 to 2000. The club reached a record-setting $32.4 million contract extension for manager Dave Roberts and acquired Shohei Ohtani in free agency with a then-record $700 million deal.
^{Front Office Sports}

Why Kevin Durant took $30 million pay cut in Rockets extension, he still broke LeBron James’ record
Kevin Durant took a pay cut to re-sign with the Houston Rockets. He signed a $90 million extension with the Rockets. The reason for this pay cut was so that the team could re-sign Tari Eason for a promising amount of money. Durant did this to help the Rockets retain their roster in the long run, showing his commitment to the team.
^{NBA Analysis}

What Apple’s new 5-year deal with Formula 1 means for US fans
Formula 1 announced a five-year deal with Apple. The partnership will begin next season. ESPN had been the broadcast partner since 2018. Apple will make “F1 The Movie(’s)” global streaming debut on Apple TV in December. Financial terms were not released.
^{AP News}

MLS Announces Schedule for Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series
Major League Soccer announced the schedule and broadcast details for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series. Every match will air on MLS Season Pass and will be made available for free for Apple TV subscribers. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience. Fans in more than 100 countries and regions can sign up for MLS Season Pass for $9.99 for the remainder of the season.
^{MLS Soccer}

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges
The likelihood of an NHL expansion team will require a $2 billion fee. That is just the minimum price. There will be an additional $500 million to $600 million equity commitment for a new arena. Atlanta and Houston are frequently mentioned as candidates for a team.
^{Front Office Sports}

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to feature neutral venue
South Africa will host the inaugural edition of the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.’ The International venue will stage the final game of a four-test series. South Africa will host New Zealand in August and September 2026, and four games against South African United Rugby Championship clubs.
^{The Stadium Business}

Giants reportedly 'closing in' on Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as next manager
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly closing in on hiring Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as their next skipper. Vitello has spent seven seasons with the Volunteers and led them to a College World Series championship in 2024. He has never appeared in the major leagues or even minor leagues in any capacity.
^{Yahoo Sports}

NFLPA officially launches executive director search
The NFL Players Association’s executive director, Lloyd Howell, resigned. NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin sent a message to all players announcing that the search process for a permanent replacement has begun. When Howell was hired two years ago, it was a very top-secret process, which will be used again.
^{NBC Sports}

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Clemson Signs AD Graham Neff to New Deal
The Clemson Tigers athletic director Graham Neff received a four-year contract extension and a raise. He will continue his position through July 30, 2031. The new deal gives Neff a base salary of $1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with a $100,000 increase each season, includes up to $250,000 worth of bonuses each year and a retention bonus worth $300,000 if he remains in the role by next July.
^{Sports Illustrated}

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