Washington recently passed its first state income tax on high earners, a move Seahawks GM John Schneider said could make it harder for the team to attract top NFL talent. Speaking on his Seattle radio show Thursday, Schneider said agents had already expressed concern about the new tax, warning that it could “sting” when recruiting free agents.

Schneider noted that Washington’s previous lack of a state income tax had been a major advantage compared with teams in California, where players face high state taxes. “It’s going to sting, from a recruiting standpoint, and what that looks like,” he said, adding that other NFL executives were likely tracking the issue closely.

While some agents told ESPN that the new tax could deter certain free agents, others said total contract value and team fit remain decisive. Schneider, however, emphasized that the law represents a concrete concern for Seattle’s ability to attract elite talent.

The Seahawks’ situation reflects a broader trend in professional sports. In the NBA, Canadian teams like the Toronto Raptors struggle to recruit top players due to dual taxation, whereas Florida-based teams such as the Miami Heat remain popular destinations because of the state’s lack of income tax.

Even outside sports, concerns over high taxation in blue states have prompted high-profile departures. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz relocated to Florida, citing the state’s business climate, though he did not directly mention the new tax.

Schneider’s comments highlight how policy decisions in high-tax states can have real-world effects on professional sports, recruitment, and competitiveness, particularly in leagues where salary caps and player taxes play a critical role in team strategy.