Are preseason roster bonuses treated the same as regular-season roster bonuses?

Preseason roster bonuses are indeed treated differently from regular-season roster bonuses in the context of the salary cap. Preseason roster bonuses are automatically deemed likely to be earned (LTBE), which is significant in salary cap calculations. This designation affects how teams manage their salary cap, as LTBE bonuses count against the current year's cap if the conditions for earning them are met, such as being on the roster at a certain point.

In contrast, regular-season roster bonuses typically depend on the player's participation during the season or specific game conditions to be earned. Hence, they have a different implication for how teams account for future salaries versus immediate cap implications.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for teams in strategizing their salary cap management, particularly when making decisions that impact roster construction and financial planning for both the current season and future seasons.