NHL and the NHLPA ratify their CBA
extension through 2030
[July 09, 2025]
By STEPHEN WHYNO
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have ratified their extension
of the collective bargaining agreement, securing labor peace in the
sport through 2030.
The league and union announced in a joint news release Tuesday that
the deal had been approved. It took a vote of the Board of Governors
and the full NHLPA membership.
“The partnership between the Players’ Association and the league is
stronger than it ever has been, and working together under this
agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the
game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We are grateful to the
Board of Governors for its support of this agreement that
strengthens our game and ensures we are collectively delivering a
great fan experience in the years to come.”
The sides came to a tentative agreement on the four-year extension
late last month. Among other things, it includes an 84-game regular
season with less exhibition play, shorter maximum contract lengths,
a playoff salary cap, no mandatory dress code for players and the
creation of a full-time traveling goaltender position to eliminate
the practice of emergency backup goalies, or “EBUGs," from entering
games.
“While I’m largely happy for uninterrupted hockey for, at least, 5
more years, this likely means my swan song is coming up,” longtime
Colorado Avalanche EBUG Ben Hause posted on social media.
That and the other changes do not go into effect until the 2026-27
season.
“This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the union
work together — an agreement that will allow for the continued
worldwide growth of the game. That is a win for everyone,” NHLPA
executive director Marty Walsh said. “We could not have achieved
this outcome without the involvement and support of our players.
Special thanks to our executive board and negotiating committee.”
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Marty Walsh, left, NHLPA Executive Director, and Gary Bettman, NHL
Commissioner, conduct a joint press conference before the NHL hockey
draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian
Dovarganes)
Reaching an agreement so quickly after negotiations
began in April is the latest example of the cooperation between the
NHL and NHLPA that produced the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year
and paved the way for the return of Olympic participation in 2026
and ’30. Bettman and Walsh independently had said there were no
major issues getting in the way of a CBA extension.
That is much different from decades past, including the 2012-13
lockout, which caused that season to be reduced to 48 games. The
entire '04-05 season was wiped out by a lockout, which centered on
the implementation of a salary cap.
The cap that started at $39 million is now $95.5 million for next
season, with bigger jumps ahead to reach $113.5 million in 2027-28.
Record attendance and revenues are responsible for these increases
and play a role in why owners and players wanted no part of another
work stoppage because of the general agreement that business is
booming and the game is heading in a positive direction.
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