Gary Bettman Charts a Course for Hockey’s Bright Future
MILAN – A new era of collaboration is blossoming between the NHL, NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), as highlighted by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during a joint press conference with IIHF President Luc Tardif and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh at Santagiulia Arena. This strengthened partnership is the driving force behind the NHL’s participation in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the ongoing planning for future best-on-best competitions.
“The hockey world benefits when the NHL and NHLPA work together, and even more so when all three organizations collaborate,” Commissioner Bettman stated. “This allows us to expand the game’s reach, particularly in regions where it’s not as established as in North America. We’re committed to continuing this collaboration with Luc to achieve that goal – the more we work together, the better it is for everyone involved.”
A Cycle of Elite Competition
The next major event on the horizon is the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, followed by a return to the Olympics in 2030. This establishes a two-year cycle of best-on-best hockey, a priority for both the League and the Players’ Association. Commissioner Bettman indicated that announcements regarding the 2028 World Cup will be made following the Olympics.
“Hockey fans and players crave seeing the best compete against the best,” emphasized Walsh. “Whether it’s the Olympics, the 4 Nations tournament, the World Cup of Hockey, or the annual World Championships, fans want to witness the world’s top talent. We’re all working together to ensure that happens, providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills from age 18 and throughout their NHL careers.”
Return to the Olympic Stage
The NHL’s return to the Olympics marks the first participation since 2014. A business decision led to the League’s absence from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and pandemic-related concerns resulted in withdrawing from the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The presence of NHL players in Milan is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the League, the NHLPA, and the IIHF, a result of two years of dedicated meetings and planning, as noted by Tardif.
“For too long, we haven’t seen the world’s best players compete on the Olympic stage,” Tardif explained. “It was crucial to find a solution to bring all the top players to the best competition. The smiles on the players’ faces at the tournament’s start demonstrate that we’ve succeeded.”
Increased Flexibility and Access
A key factor in facilitating the NHL’s return was increased flexibility from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The League and NHLPA have been granted greater access and opportunities at this Olympics compared to previous appearances in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. This includes the ability for players to create and share content, which the NHL can then amplify on its platforms.
“Players are now permitted to create content as participants, and we’re able to retweet it,” Commissioner Bettman clarified. “We have better access in some respects, including joint logo usage. This will continue to evolve as the IOC recognizes the sheer scale of hockey within the Winter Olympics.”
Historically, IOC agreements with its own rightsholders have limited the NHL’s promotional capabilities, such as showcasing iconic moments like Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. However, Commissioner Bettman acknowledged the IOC’s need to protect its rightsholders while emphasizing the importance of promoting such moments for the benefit of both hockey and the Olympics. NHL.com provides further details on the league’s initiatives.
Commissioner Bettman also highlighted the IOC’s growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by the NHL, which must pause its season to participate in the Olympics – an “imposition” that is increasingly recognized and respected.
“This entire process is built on collaboration and partnership,” Commissioner Bettman concluded. “We’re laying a foundation for continued growth and success for the game of hockey.”
