Expansion was not a point of discussion at the recent NHL board of governors meeting, according to commissioner Gary Bettman. The league has maintained 32 teams since the addition of Seattle for the 2021-22 season. While there is interest from various groups in having teams in cities like Atlanta and Houston, Bettman mentioned that none of these discussions have advanced to a significant level requiring immediate attention.
When asked if there could be a possibility of discussing expansion at the next board meeting in Colorado Springs in December, Bettman indicated that such decisions are not predetermined by the NHL. He noted that the league would assess any potential interest that arises and make decisions accordingly.
In addition to expansion talks, Bettman expressed concerns regarding the construction timeline of the primary hockey arena in Milan for the upcoming Olympics. He emphasized that the resolution of such issues lies with the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Regarding the NHL salary cap, Bettman clarified that despite rumors suggesting a cap exceeding $104 million US for the next season, there have been no discussions about changing the current agreement. The commissioner emphasized that the salary cap remains unchanged and is based on the existing agreement.
During the board meeting, Bettman described the discussions as routine and focused on essential matters without any major developments to report. Governors received updates on league operations, officiating, and initiatives for global hockey outreach. Bettman refrained from sharing details about the potential sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Looking ahead to the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, deputy commissioner Bill Daly anticipates bids from 18 cities in North America and 10 in Europe to host parts of the event. When asked about his future with the NHL, Bettman emphasized his continued commitment to the role without specifying a timeline for his tenure.