The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million in luxury tax after winning their second straight World Series title, Major League Baseball and players’ union figures show. This unprecedented amount is the highest luxury tax ever assessed in the sport’s modern era and reflects the Dodgers’ continued spending at the top tier of the league. WSLS

Los Angeles’ luxury tax figure stems from a $417.3 million tax payroll that includes both salaries and non-cash compensation — such as the use of premium suites and interpreters for key players like Shohei Ohtani. WSLS

This marks the fifth consecutive season the Dodgers have exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold, surpassing their own previous single-season high of $103 million set last year. Over the past two seasons alone, the club’s cumulative luxury tax obligations amount to $272.4 million. WSLS

Despite their championship success, the Dodgers are far from alone in paying steep luxury tax penalties. A total of nine teams will owe money under this year’s regime — matching the record for most clubs taxed — with combined payments of roughly $402.6 million, eclipsing last year’s total of $311.3 million. WSLS

The New York Mets, despite missing the expanded 12-team playoffs, carry the league’s second-largest tax bill at about $91.6 million, a figure reflecting sustained high payrolls under owner Steve Cohen. WSLS Other teams on the luxury tax list include perennial spenders such as the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. WSLS

Luxury tax payments are due to the league by January 21, and the funds are redistributed in part to support player benefits and other MLB initiatives. The Dodgers’ record total underscores both their commitment to constructing a championship roster and the broader escalation of payrolls across Major League Baseball