What does "LTBE" stand for in the context of salary caps?

"LTBE" stands for "Likely To Be Earned" in the context of salary caps. This term refers to certain bonuses or incentives that a player is expected to achieve based on their performance or the likelihood of certain statistics being met during the season. When a team structures a player's contract, it differentiates between bonuses that are likely to be achieved and those that are not, which can impact how the salary cap is calculated.

For example, if a player is expected to earn a bonus based on their previous performance or consistent statistical achievements, that amount would be classified as LTBE and factored into the salary cap for that season. This is crucial for teams to manage their salary cap effectively, as these projections influence both current and future cap space. Understanding LTBE is important for both fans and management, as it helps to clarify budgeting for a team's roster and player compensation.