We did not write checks for $22 million for last years roster. The roster last year more likely than not had an NIL valuation of $22 million. Both can be true at the same time.
Apartments, cars, free gear, etc have value without the player receiving any cash. 2 year contracts exist and are "promised value" but if the player leaves, the money isn't spent obviously. A WHOLE bunch of things other than actual cash went into that number. But it's much easier to just say $22 million dollar roster, than to explain it to people. Actual cash, for one year, probably much closer to $13-$15 paid out.
Apartments, cars, free gear, etc have value without the player receiving any cash. 2 year contracts exist and are "promised value" but if the player leaves, the money isn't spent obviously. A WHOLE bunch of things other than actual cash went into that number. But it's much easier to just say $22 million dollar roster, than to explain it to people. Actual cash, for one year, probably much closer to $13-$15 paid out.