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4h ago

Bettman Rules Out Near-Term NHL Expansion, Calls Maple Leafs Undervalued

He argues expansion would dilute shared revenue despite rising franchise values.

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media prior to a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday in Toronto.

Overview

  • The commissioner said the league is not pursuing expansion and dismissed talk of a second Toronto team, noting only fully vetted bids that strengthen the NHL would be considered.
  • Bettman cautioned that expansion is not the windfall many assume because adding a franchise divides national revenues among more partners.
  • Sportico pegged the average NHL club at about US$2.1 billion and the Maple Leafs at US$4.25 billion, which Bettman still described as undervalued.
  • The salary cap increased to US$95.5 million this season with league projections of roughly US$104 million next year and US$113.5 million the year after, part of a deliberate post-pandemic plan.
  • He praised Connor McDavid’s two-year extension at US$12.5 million per season as a team-first choice below the new US$17 million annual ceiling and said he has no plans to step aside.