Gary Bettman and Matthew Tkachuk join Donald Trump's presidential sports council as NHL's diversity promises face backlash
Gary Bettman and Matthew Tkachuk have surprised many by agreeing to serve on US president Donald Trump's sports council. On July 30, 2025, the White House in Washington, D.C., announced that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Florida Panthers captain Matthew Tkachuk would advise the president on sports policy.
The council will focus on restoring tradition in college athletics and other national sports issues. The move raises questions because the NHL has championed inclusion and diversity. Why would league leaders team up with a group known for opposing policies that protect minority and LGBTQ+ athletes? Fans wonder what this means for hockey's promise of respect and fairness.
Gary Bettman joins Donald Trump's council while NHL talks inclusion
Commissioner Gary Bettman wrote in the NHL's first diversity and inclusion report on October 20, 2022, from the league office in New York that diverse voices help the sport grow.
He said, 'Diverse representation within inclusive environments is proven to advance innovation, creativity, and decision-making.'
The report showed NHL staff were about 84 percent white and 93 percent straight. In February 2023, during the All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida, the league planned a career fair to hire people from different communities; the event was canceled after the Florida governor called it unfair.
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In June 2023, Gary Bettman removed Pride jerseys that some players refused to wear, calling the debate 'a distraction.' Some teams held talks with local groups to explain the report. These moves left fans asking if the league truly values inclusion.
Matthew Tkachuk and Gary Bettman face criticism for supporting anti-LGBTQ+ views
Matthew Tkachuk will join meetings at the White House to talk about sports and college rules. Matthew Tkachuk said,
'I look forward to sharing ideas,'
in a statement on July 31, 2025.
His choice to join a council that plans to keep transgender women out of women's sports troubles many fans. The NCAA says there are fewer than ten transgender athletes in college sports.
Also Read:
Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky team up with Donald Trump to revive iconic Presidential Fitness Test for youth
Harrison Browne, the first transgender player in professional hockey, told The Guardian on August 2, 2025, that he felt hurt by Bettman and Tkachuk's decision. Browne wrote in The Walrus in April 2025 that giving trans athletes locker-room options shows respect. He said,
'Seeing Bettman and Tkachuk join a council targeting marginalized communities is deeply disturbing and a step back for hockey.'
However, now Gary Bettman runs the chance of making hockey seem dangerous for LGBTQ+ players and spectators by collaborating with Donald Trump, who is renowned for supporting anti-trans legislation. On August 1, many fans turned to social media to voice their unhappiness using the hashtag #FairPlayForAll. This demonstrates that sports and politics combine in manners that might cause confusion.
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