NHL Ratifies New Four-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement Through 2029-30 Season

The NHL's Board of Governors, along with the NHL Players' Association, officially approved a new collective bargaining agreement that will last until the conclusion of the 2029-30 season, as announced on Tuesday. The specifics of the deal are set to be released in the future, following the earlier memorandum of understanding agreed upon in June.

This new agreement will take effect starting in the 2026-27 season and is reported to expand the regular season from 82 games to 84 games. Among the anticipated changes is a reduction in the maximum duration of player contracts by one year, alongside the implementation of a salary cap for playoffs. The discussions between the NHL and the NHLPA have been described as constructive, a marked improvement from previous negotiations that have often led to work stoppages, such as the total halt in play during the 2004-05 season.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked on the strengthened partnership between the league and the Players' Association, indicating that this agreement offers significant potential for the expansion and improvement of the sport. He expressed gratitude to the Board of Governors for supporting an agreement aimed at enhancing the fan experience in the forthcoming years.

Additionally, NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh highlighted the positive nature of this four-year CBA, emphasizing the benefits of involving a larger number of players in the negotiation process. He concluded that the successful outcome demonstrated the fruitful collaboration between the NHL and the union, which will contribute to the sport's growth on a global scale, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.