As the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) embark on a new round of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, the stakes have never been higher. With the current CBA set to expire after the 2025-2026 season, both sides are entering talks with a newfound sense of optimism, hoping to avoid the costly lockouts that have plagued the league in recent decades.
A League Rebounding
The NHL has experienced a remarkable turnaround since the last CBA negotiations in 2020, which took place amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by empty arenas and reduced gate revenues, the league has bounced back in impressive fashion. The 2022-2023 season saw record-breaking attendance figures, a surge in sponsorship deals, and a staggering $6.2 billion in total revenue.
This financial resurgence has not gone unnoticed by the players, who are keen to secure their fair share of the growing pie. According to sources close to the NHLPA, the players are united in their desire to maintain the current 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue (HRR) and are reluctant to accept any further concessions.
A New Era of Leadership
Leading the charge for the players is Marty Walsh, the NHLPA’s newly appointed executive director. Walsh, a former mayor of Boston and U.S. Secretary of Labor, brings a wealth of political experience and a reputation as a skilled negotiator to the bargaining table. His open and collaborative approach has already earned him the trust and respect of the players, who view him as a strong advocate for their interests.
“Myself and Gary Bettman have had very open conversations about how this potentially could be laid out,” Walsh told ESPN in a recent interview. “Going in with an open mind, with open dialogue is how I’ve always approached collective bargaining.”
– Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director
Player Priorities
As Walsh continues his fall tour, meeting with players from every team to gauge their opinions and concerns, several key issues have emerged as top priorities for the upcoming CBA talks:
- Revenue Growth: Players want to ensure they benefit from the league’s financial success and are seeking ways to grow the overall revenue pie.
- Schedule Changes: Discussions around reducing the preseason, extending the regular season, and altering the playoff format are on the table.
- Medical Rights: In the wake of the Jack Eichel situation, players are pushing for greater autonomy over their medical treatment decisions.
- International Play: Securing commitments for future Olympic participation and a regular World Cup of Hockey remains a priority.
The Path Forward
As the NHL and NHLPA prepare to begin formal negotiations, both sides recognize the importance of maintaining the league’s positive momentum. With a new generation of stars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Connor Bedard poised to take the league to new heights, the pressure is on to reach an agreement that benefits all stakeholders.
The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of the NHL. As Walsh and his team continue to engage with players and formulate their negotiating strategy, the league’s owners and executives will be doing the same. The hope is that by starting talks early and approaching the process with a spirit of collaboration and compromise, the NHL can avoid the labor strife that has marred its past and secure a brighter future for the sport.
For fans, players, and everyone invested in the success of the NHL, the stakes have never been higher. As the league stands on the cusp of a new era of growth and prosperity, the outcome of these CBA negotiations will determine whether that potential is realized or squandered. The eyes of the hockey world will be watching closely as the NHL and NHLPA begin this crucial process, with the hope that this time, cooler heads will prevail.
