NHL CBA Talks: Positive Progress Reported
- Edmonton,Alberta — National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Wednesday that collective bargaining discussions with the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) have been progressing positively.
- Bettman noted the talks have been "constructive,professional and cordial," despite starting later than anticipated.
- Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, echoed Bettman's sentiment, describing the conversations as "good and ongoing." He refrained from specifying a timeline for a potential agreement, acknowledging...
NHL CBA talks see positive progress, signaling a collaborative approach between the league and the NHLPA. Commissioner Gary Bettman reports constructive discussions are underway regarding the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expires in September 2026. With the relationship between the NHL and players in a “really good place,” the talks cover critical topics like long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and potential expansion plans to 34 teams. Houston and Atlanta are frontrunners. While no immediate deal is struck, the dialog is encouraging. Stay informed with News Directory 3 for the latest updates,plus expert insights regarding salary cap management. Discover what’s next in these pivotal NHL negotiations.
NHL,Players Association Discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement,Expansion Plans
Updated June 05,2025
Edmonton,Alberta — National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Wednesday that collective bargaining discussions with the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have been progressing positively. While no immediate agreement was reached, both sides expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue regarding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and potential NHL expansion.
Bettman noted the talks have been “constructive,professional and cordial,” despite starting later than anticipated. The current CBA is set to expire on Sept. 15, 2026.He added that the relationship between the league and the players is in a “really good place.”
Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, echoed Bettman’s sentiment, describing the conversations as “good and ongoing.” He refrained from specifying a timeline for a potential agreement, acknowledging the complexities inherent in collective bargaining.
One key issue under discussion is the use of long-term injured reserve (LTIR) as a salary cap management tool. Ron Hainsey, NHLPA assistant executive director, confirmed the league has prioritized this topic.
Deputy Commissioner bill Daly addressed the long-standing issue of state income tax advantages benefiting teams in Florida, Texas and Nevada.He suggested these imbalances are unlikely to be addressed in the current negotiations, citing numerous factors influencing player choices beyond tax implications.
“We started a little bit later than we had anticipated for a variety of reasons on both sides, so I don’t have an declaration to make today that we have a deal,” Bettman said.
The NHL also addressed potential expansion plans. While not formally initiating an expansion process, the league is open to applications. Daly stated the NHL has “gotten a lot of interest from people and markets who want to host NHL teams.”
“We’ve decided we’re not going to engage in formal expansion process, but somebody wants to essentially apply for an expansion franchise and has all the requisite elements that we would look for in an expansion franchise, we would raise it with the board of governors to see if they have any interest in it,” Daly said.
Houston and Atlanta have emerged as leading candidates for potential NHL expansion cities, with the league possibly growing to 34 teams.
What’s next
Negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA are expected to continue in the coming months, with both sides aiming to reach an agreement well in advance of the CBA’s expiration date in 2026. The league will also continue to evaluate potential expansion opportunities.