The NHL’s Board of Governors and the NHL Players’ Association have officially approved a four-year collective bargaining agreement that will be effective until the 2029-30 season. The announcement was made jointly by both parties on Tuesday. Specific details of the agreement will be disclosed at a later time.
The ratification of this agreement was anticipated following the initial announcement by the NHL and NHLPA on June 27 in Los Angeles regarding the consensus on a memorandum of understanding. The new agreement, set to commence in the 2026-27 season, is expected to introduce an 84-game regular season, an increase from the current 82-game format.
Among the reported changes in the new deal are a reduction in the maximum contract length by a year and the implementation of a playoff salary cap. The negotiations leading to this new CBA were described as positive by both the league and the union, marking a significant departure from past conflicts and work stoppages, including the complete cancellation of the 2004-05 season due to a lockout.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his satisfaction with the strengthened partnership between the Players’ Association and the League, emphasizing the potential for continued growth and an enhanced fan experience. NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh highlighted the inclusivity of the four-year CBA, providing more players with the opportunity to participate in the bargaining process and ultimately contributing to the global expansion of the sport.
Both parties acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in reaching this agreement, recognizing the crucial role played by the players in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.