NHL and players union agree to four-year contract extension
Terms of the deal have been approved upon by league and union leaders but must be ratified in votes by players and NHL officials to finalize the agreement.
"We can all look forward to at least five years more of labor peace of the Players' Association and the NHL working together," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "While we didn't agree on everything, we had a very constructive, professional, collaborative collective bargaining process."
Talks began in late March between Bettman, NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh and their top negotiators.
"I think we identified the issues that were important to both sides and I think that Marty and I have established a very good tone and a very good basis for our relationship going forward," Bettman said. "I am delighted."
The NHL and players have had a 50-50 split of hockey-related re venue since 2013.
The new deal reportedly will see the NHL season increase by two games to 84 contests per club with two fewer preseason games to be played.
Another reported tweak in the contract will see the maximum player contract length reduced by one year to seven seasons. Players could re-sign with their clubs for seven campaigns or join a new team as a free agent for up to six seasons.
The current NHL-NHLPA agreement signed in 2013 and extended in 2020 expires in September 2016 but would be stretched to September 2030 if approved.
Walsh said the players would vote on the deal in the next week or so.
© 2025 AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
a day ago
- France 24
NHL and players union agree to four-year contract extension
Terms of the deal have been approved upon by league and union leaders but must be ratified in votes by players and NHL officials to finalize the agreement. "We can all look forward to at least five years more of labor peace of the Players' Association and the NHL working together," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "While we didn't agree on everything, we had a very constructive, professional, collaborative collective bargaining process." Talks began in late March between Bettman, NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh and their top negotiators. "I think we identified the issues that were important to both sides and I think that Marty and I have established a very good tone and a very good basis for our relationship going forward," Bettman said. "I am delighted." The NHL and players have had a 50-50 split of hockey-related re venue since 2013. The new deal reportedly will see the NHL season increase by two games to 84 contests per club with two fewer preseason games to be played. Another reported tweak in the contract will see the maximum player contract length reduced by one year to seven seasons. Players could re-sign with their clubs for seven campaigns or join a new team as a free agent for up to six seasons. The current NHL-NHLPA agreement signed in 2013 and extended in 2020 expires in September 2016 but would be stretched to September 2030 if approved. Walsh said the players would vote on the deal in the next week or so. © 2025 AFP
Fashion Network
10-06-2025
- Fashion Network
Champion inks new licensing deal with the NFL
Athleticwear brand Champion announced on Monday a new licensing deal with the NFL to produce officially licensed apparel. The agreement marks a major milestone for the brand, adding football to its growing roster of league partnerships, which already includes the NHL, MiLB and PLL. Backed by Authentic Brands Group and Ames Watson, the brand is leveraging a strategic partnership that blends global brand-building capabilities with deep retail expertise to unlock new growth in the sportswear category. 'Champion's enduring legacy in sports has always been rooted in the pursuit of excellence,' said Jarrod Weber, president, sports and lifestyle at Authentic. 'Our partnership with Ames Watson allows us to bring this legacy to life in new and exciting ways, seamlessly blending our craftsmanship with the rich traditions of the NFL and NHL. We are excited to offer fans premium apparel that speaks to their passion for the game while staying true to Champion's timeless heritage.' The partnership will debut at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 this month, where Champion will unveil exclusive, limited-edition NFL and NHL styles. Notably, Champion's festival activation will showcase exclusive, co-branded fan gear. Each league's product assortment will combine Champion's craftsmanship with team colors, logos, and archival influences. Products will become available nationwide in major retailers, both in stores and online later this year, with specific distribution varying by league. 'Champion has been synonymous with sports for over a century, and this partnership is a natural evolution of the brand's commitment to athletes and fans alike,' added Lawrence Berger, cofounder of Ames Watson, the brand's collegiate and sport partner. 'We're thrilled to collaborate with these powerhouse leagues to deliver premium apparel that fuses performance, heritage, and style."
France 24
05-06-2025
- France 24
Germany's Sturm named coach of NHL Bruins
The 46-year-old German will have his first NHL head coaching job. He replaces interim coach Joe Sacco, who took over after Jim Montgomery was fired in November. "I'm incredibly honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins," Sturm said. "I'm excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed." Sturm, who played in Boston from 2005-2010, was a coach for the top development team of the Los Angeles Kings the past three years after serving as a Kings assistant coach from 2018-22. He guided Germany's national team from 2015-18, a run that included a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The Bruins went 33-39 with 10 overtime losses this past season to finish last in the Atlantic Division, ending a run of eight consecutive trips to the NHL playoffs. "Our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively," said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. "We were also looking for a communicator and leader, someone who connects with players, develops young talent, and earns the respect of the room." Sturm, a three-time Olympian, scored 242 goals in 938 NHL games over 14 seasons with Boston, san Jose, Washington, Vancouver, Florida and the Kings. He becomes the latest NHL coach to be hired looking ahead to next season, joining Boston a day after Pittsburgh hired Dan Muse.
