The National Hockey League`s Board of Governors and the NHL Players` Association members have officially approved a four-year extension to their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), securing the deal through the 2029-30 season. This was jointly announced on Tuesday by both parties.
A joint statement from the league and the union indicated that the specifics of the agreement would be released later.
This ratification was anticipated, following the announcement on June 27 in Los Angeles by the NHL and NHLPA that they had reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding.
The new agreement, set to commence with the 2026-27 season, is widely reported to feature an expanded regular season schedule of 84 games, an increase from the current 82 games.
Other anticipated changes within the new deal include a reduction in the maximum contract term by one year and the introduction of a salary cap for playoff rosters.
Both the league and the union described the negotiations for this new CBA as constructive and positive, a significant departure from the historical conflicts and labor disputes that have affected the sport in the past, resulting in multiple work stoppages, such as the lockout that cancelled the entire 2004-05 season.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated, “The collaboration between the Players’ Association and the League is currently at its strongest point, and cooperating under this agreement provides an excellent chance to further expand the game. We appreciate the Board of Governors` endorsement of this agreement, which fortifies our sport and ensures we collectively provide an outstanding fan experience in the coming years.”
Previously, NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh expressed satisfaction with the four-year duration of the CBA, noting that it allows a greater number of players to participate in the negotiation process compared to a longer-term agreement.
In a statement, Walsh commented, “This CBA demonstrates what is achievable when the NHL and the union collaborate – an agreement that will facilitate the ongoing global expansion of the game. This benefits everyone. We would not have reached this result without the participation and backing of our players.”
