The NBA salary cap for 2026-27 is $164.961 million, according to the league’s own announcement. The NBA released the new numbers on June 30, 2026, and they took effect on July 1, the start of the new league year.
This guide lists every official figure in one table, compares it with last season, and flags a reporting discrepancy over how big the increase was. All dollar figures come from NBA.com unless we say they are our arithmetic.
Quick answers
- NBA salary cap, 2026-27: $164.961 million.
- Luxury tax line: $200.428 million.
- First apron / second apron: $209.015 million / $221.686 million.
- Minimum team salary: $148.465 million.
- Increase from 2025-26: about 6.7% (our arithmetic from the two NBA releases).
What Is the NBA Salary Cap in 2026-27?
The NBA announced on June 30, 2026, at 10:05 p.m. ET, that the cap and tax level would take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 1. The league set the cap at $164.961 million. Teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, six hours before the figures took effect, and the moratorium period ran until noon ET on Monday, July 6.
NBA 2026-27 Salary Cap, Tax Level and Apron Numbers
| Figure | 2026-27 | 2025-26 | Change (our arithmetic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary cap | $164.961 million | $154.647 million | +$10.314 million |
| Luxury tax level | $200.428 million | $187.895 million | +$12.533 million |
| First apron | $209.015 million | $195.945 million | +$13.070 million |
| Second apron | $221.686 million | $207.824 million | +$13.862 million |
| Minimum team salary | $148.465 million | $139.182 million | +$9.283 million |
The 2026-27 numbers are from the NBA’s June 30, 2026 release. The 2025-26 numbers are from the NBA’s June 30, 2025 release.
Mid-Level Exceptions in 2026-27
The NBA says the collective bargaining agreement provides three mid-level exceptions, and the amount depends on a team’s payroll level:
| Exception | 2026-27 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-taxpayer mid-level | $15.044 million | $14.104 million |
| Taxpayer mid-level | $6.064 million | $5.685 million |
| Mid-level for teams under the cap | $9.366 million | $8.781 million |
How Much Did the NBA Salary Cap Rise?
From $154.647 million to $164.961 million is an increase of $10.314 million, or about 6.67% (our arithmetic). Coverage does not agree on this. One newspaper report we reviewed called it a 6.5% rise and cited a $10.42 million increase, which does not match the NBA’s two releases. We use the league’s own numbers. The same report’s increases for the first apron (about $13.07 million) and second apron (about $13.86 million) do match the NBA’s figures.
What the Cap Means for Players
The NBA’s minimum salaries rise with the cap. Reports we reviewed say the 2026-27 minimums are about 6.7% higher than last season’s. For the full table by years of experience, see our guide to the NBA minimum salary for 2026-27. First-round rookie deals also follow a scale tied to the cap, as we explain in our AJ Dybantsa contract breakdown.
What the NBA Has Not Published
The NBA’s release does not list the maximum salary, player minimum salaries, or the year-over-year increase. We therefore do not give a maximum-salary figure here. Check the CBA or the league’s later announcements for those numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NBA salary cap for 2026-27?
$164.961 million.
What is the NBA luxury tax line for 2026-27?
$200.428 million.
What are the NBA aprons in 2026-27?
The first apron is $209.015 million and the second apron is $221.686 million.
What is the NBA minimum team salary for 2026-27?
$148.465 million.
How much did the salary cap increase from 2025-26?
From $154.647 million to $164.961 million, about 6.67% by our arithmetic.
When did the new cap take effect?
At 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1, 2026.
NBA Salary Cap 2026-27: Summary
The NBA set the 2026-27 salary cap at $164.961 million, with a tax level of $200.428 million, aprons at $209.015 million and $221.686 million, and a minimum team salary of $148.465 million. That is about 6.7% above 2025-26 by our arithmetic, although one report cited 6.5%. The league’s release does not give maximum or minimum player salaries.
