Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider warns that Washington state’s newly approved “millionaire tax” could undermine the team’s free agent recruiting efforts.
Starting in 2028, individuals earning more than $1 million annually will face a 9.9% state income tax-a major shift for Washington, long known as a no-income-tax state. Governor Bob Ferguson is expected to sign the bill.
Schneider, speaking on Seattle Sports 710-AM, said the tax erodes a key selling point the Seahawks have used for years: Washington’s tax advantage over high-tax states like California.
"There were a bunch of agents texting me the other day like, ‘Hey, can’t use that anymore, buddy,’" Schneider said.
As of 2026, the Seahawks are one of only eight NFL teams based in states with no personal income tax-alongside clubs in Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Tennessee.
An unnamed NFL agent told ESPN the tax “is going to be a problem” for Seattle’s recruitment edge.
The concern isn’t theoretical: MLB pitcher Merrill Kelly recently chose Arizona over San Diego partly due to California’s 13% top tax rate, despite a better contract offer from the Padres.