High Massachusetts Taxes Making Pro Sports Teams Less Competitive

The "Taxachusetts" nickname that dogged Massachusetts back in the bad old days is back, and it could prevent the New England Patriots football team from winning another Super Bowl championship.

It's no joke.

Massachusetts voters rubber-stamped legislation enacted by state lawmakers in 2022 that raises taxes on the state's highest earners. The so-called "Millionaires Tax," or "Fair Share Amendment" to the Massachusetts State Constitution, is a four percent tax on income above $1 million, putting the top income tax bracket at nine percent, the seventh-highest in the country.

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Former New England Patriots head coach and de facto general manager Bill Belichick reportedly told The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN that the higher income taxes may discourage talent from considering the Patriots.

The Wall Street Journal reported Belichick told McAfee, " That's Taxachusetts."

"Virtually every player, even the practice squad, even the minimum, players are pretty close to $1 million," he said. "Once you hit the $1 million threshold, you pay more state tax in Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center says, "The Fair Share Amendment, passed by voters in 2022, is generating billions in yearly support for transportation and public education."

MassLive.com reported critics of the tax are "lambasting it as a drag on the state's economy that's helping to fuel an exodus of residents."

MassLive cites former Boston Celtics player Grant Williams, now with the Dallas Mavericks, who reportedly said the tax played a role in his decision to leave Massachusetts.