President Trump Supports MLB Owners' Call for Salary Cap Amid CBA Negotiations

The negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in Major League Baseball (MLB) have begun, and President Donald Trump has made his stance clear. During a recent conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his support for the league's owners who are advocating for the implementation of a salary cap.

When asked about the owners' desire for a salary cap, Trump responded, “They sort of have one, don’t they?” This comment likely alludes to MLB's existing "Cohen tax," which imposes a penalty on teams that exceed a certain spending threshold. After further explanation of the system, Trump doubled down on his belief in the necessity of a salary cap, stating, “If you don’t have a salary cap you don’t have a sport, because they can’t help themselves.”

Trump also mentioned his involvement in efforts to reform college sports, highlighting challenges the sector faces. He noted, “They should have done it a long time ago. I know so much about sports.” His comments come as MLB is the only major professional sports league in the U.S. without a formal salary cap, instead relying on a luxury tax system that penalizes high spenders.

The current push for a salary cap is the most significant since 1994, with owners proposing a cap of $245.3 million and a floor of $171.2 million, along with a 50-50 revenue split with players. However, the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) has rejected this proposal, arguing it would cost players over $500 million if enacted for the 2026 season.

Trump noted the missed opportunities for MLB to establish a salary cap in the past, referencing the contentious 1994 labor dispute that resulted in a strike and the cancellation of that season’s playoffs. As the league navigates these negotiations, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed concerns about the implications of a repeat of that tumultuous period.