Indiana Pacers payroll currently exceeds the NBA luxury tax threshold

The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026-27 season with a team salary of approximately $206.3 million, placing the franchise over the luxury tax line of $200.428 million. If the figures remain unchanged through the end of the league year, this would mark the first time the team has paid the tax since the 2004-05 season. General manager Chad Buchanan confirmed that ownership has authorized spending into the tax to bolster the roster for a championship run. The organization added Kelly Oubre and Larry Nance during the offseason, increasing total team salary. The Pacers currently have 14 players on standard contracts and may still utilize trades during the season to manage payroll, as they have done in previous years to gain financial flexibility.

• 3:37 AMYahoo Sports — Indiana Pacers Currently In Rare Position As Team Salary Sits Over Luxury Tax Line