NFL salary cap could hit this major milestone in 2020

League's player-related costs set to hit $7.7 billion

The NFL’s salary cap could pass $200 million for the first time when the 2020 season kicks off next fall.

The league informed its 32 teams that preliminary projections called for a salary cap range of $196 million to $201.2 million, according to multiple reports Wednesday. The range would mark a sizable increase of the league salary cap of $188.2 million for the 2018 season and set a fresh record for the NFL.

MLB RAWLINGS BASEBALLS WEREN'T JUICED DURING 2019 SEASON, COMMITTEE FINDS

The projected 2020 cap number would be an increase of 40 percent compared to just five years ago. When the NFL’s current collective-bargaining agreement took effect in 2011, the salary cap was just $120.375 million.

The NFL’s total spending on player-related costs, including salaries and benefits, will rise to more than $7.7 billion in 2020, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The salary cap has steadily increased in recent years alongside skyrocketing league revenue, which was expected to hit $16 billion in 2019.

Player compensation is a core issue in negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Players Association toward a new labor deal. At present, players are entitled to no more than 48.5 percent of league revenue from all sources.

The current collective-bargaining agreement expires after the 2020 season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM