**Breaking: Luka Doncic Now Eligible to Sign a Five-Year, $417 Million Contract Extension in 2028 Once His Current Extension Ends**
The NBA world has been set abuzz with the latest financial revelation surrounding Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. According to league sources and salary cap experts, the Slovenian phenom is now projected to be eligible for a historic five-year, $417 million supermax contract extension in 2028 once his current extension expires. This staggering figure would not only shatter existing NBA contract records but also solidify Doncic’s place as one of the highest-paid athletes in professional sports history.
### **The Road to the Supermax**
Luka Doncic, already a four-time All-NBA First Team selection by the age of 25, has been on a trajectory toward financial greatness since entering the league in 2018. His current contract, a five-year, $215 million supermax extension signed in 2021, kicks in this season and runs through the 2026-27 campaign. However, due to the NBA’s ever-evolving salary cap structure and the league’s new media rights deal set to take effect in 2025, Doncic’s next contract could reach unprecedented heights.
Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players who meet specific criteria—such as making an All-NBA team in the most recent season or two of the past three seasons—qualify for the Designated Veteran Player Extension, commonly known as the “supermax.” Given Doncic’s consistent dominance, there is little doubt he will remain eligible for this lucrative designation.
### **The $417 Million Projection**
The projected $417 million figure is based on several key factors:
1. **Salary Cap Increases** – The NBA’s new television deal, expected to be finalized soon, will significantly boost league revenue, leading to substantial salary cap spikes. Experts estimate the cap could rise by as much as 10% annually starting in 2025, meaning the 35% max salary slot (reserved for supermax-eligible players with 10+ years of experience) will balloon accordingly.
2. **Doncic’s Tenure** – By 2028, Doncic will have completed 10 seasons in the NBA, making him eligible for the highest possible max contract (35% of the cap). If the cap reaches approximately $190 million by then, his starting salary would be around $66.5 million, with 8% annual raises pushing the total value of a five-year deal past $400 million.
3. **Inflation of Supermax Contracts** – In recent years, we’ve seen Jaylen Brown sign a $304 million supermax, and Jayson Tatum is in line for a similar deal. As the cap grows, so too will these figures, making Doncic’s potential $417 million deal a natural progression.
### **What This Means for the Mavericks**
For the Dallas Mavericks, securing Doncic long-term is the franchise’s top priority. Owner Mark Cuban and GM Nico Harrison have already built around their generational talent, making aggressive moves such as trading for Kyrie Irving and drafting key role players. However, committing nearly half a billion dollars to one player will require meticulous roster construction to maintain championship contention.
The Mavericks will need to balance Doncic’s supermax with supporting talent, meaning cost-effective draft picks, mid-level exceptions, and savvy veteran signings will be crucial. If managed correctly, Dallas could remain a perennial contender. If not, they risk falling into the same pitfalls as other supermax-heavy teams that struggled with depth.
### **The Broader NBA Implications**
Doncic’s looming mega-deal is a sign of the times in the NBA. As revenues explode, so do player salaries. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and other elite stars will soon be in line for similar paydays. This trend raises questions about competitive balance—will teams with multiple max players be able to afford quality role players? Will small-market franchises struggle to retain their superstars when supermax offers become the norm?
Additionally, the $400+ million threshold could reset future negotiations. Young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards may eventually command even larger contracts if the cap continues its upward trajectory.
### **Doncic’s Legacy and Future**
At just 25, Luka Doncic is already an MVP candidate, a global icon, and the face of the Mavericks. A $417 million extension would not only reflect his on-court value but also his marketability. He is one of the league’s most popular international players, with endorsement deals from Jordan Brand and other major companies.
If he signs this deal, Doncic would likely spend his prime (and possibly his entire career) in Dallas, joining the likes of Dirk Nowitzki as a franchise legend. The pressure to deliver a championship will intensify, but if anyone is built for that challenge, it’s Luka.
