In a press conference on Tuesday, National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman made a bold announcement regarding the future of the league’s salary cap. Bettman confidently stated that he expects the salary cap to rise once again for the 2025-26 season, with a potential increase of $4.5 million, bringing the total cap to an impressive $92.5 million.
This projected rise comes on the heels of a $4.5 million jump in the salary cap for the current season, which now sits at $88 million after being at $83.5 million in 2023-24. The salary cap remained stagnant at $81.5 million for three years due to the pandemic, finally increasing to $82.5 million for the 2022-23 season. This upcoming spike in the salary cap is sure to have a significant impact on team finances and player contracts.
Following the NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, Bettman also touched on the topic of a new collective bargaining agreement. He expressed his anticipation for talks to commence early in 2025, as the current deal is set to expire in September 2026. Bettman’s insights shed light on the ongoing negotiations and the potential changes that could be implemented in the near future.
“We will probably begin having more discussions with the Players’ Association after the first of the year,” Bettman stated. “We’ve said that it could be as early as November, but I think everybody’s still got some homework to do. You know that the union’s on their fall tour, so no big deal. It’s just, I think, in terms of timing, that’s probably the most realistic. Which is still well, well in advance, and we think we’re collectively, in terms of the relationship, in a good place.”
The dialogue surrounding the new CBA has already delved into potential changes to the preseason and regular season schedule. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reported that discussions have included reducing the preseason to four games and extending the regular season by two games, bringing the total to 84. These alterations could impact player fatigue and team performance over the course of a grueling season.
Bettman remained optimistic about the timeline for finalizing the new CBA, hinting that a deal could be reached as early as June. However, he refrained from setting strict deadlines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the NHL Players’ Association throughout the negotiation process.
“I don’t want to speculate. If we had it done by my media avail at the Stanley Cup Final, everybody would be very happy,” Bettman explained. “That’s not a discussion in terms of the timetable that I’ve had with (NHLPA Executive Director) Marty Walsh. So, I don’t want to put any unfair or undiscussed parameters on it. It’ll be what it’ll be. But I think based on the status of our relationship, this will be fine.”
In a final note, Bettman reiterated that expansion is not currently on the league’s agenda. As the NHL navigates through intricate contract negotiations and potential rule changes, one thing remains clear – the future of hockey is full of excitement and uncertainty. Stay tuned for more updates as the league continues to evolve and adapt to a changing landscape.
