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3d ago

NHL and Players’ Union Reach Four-Year CBA Deal With 84-Game Schedule

It awaits ratification before taking effect after the current agreement expires in September 2026.

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (right) and NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh agree four-year contract extension
Feb 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the face-off circle and an NHL puck and the Dallas Stars logo and hockey sticks during a face-off in the third period of the game between the Dallas Stars and the New York Islanders at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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Overview

  • The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a four-year extension of their collective bargaining agreement through the 2029-30 season, pending votes by owners and players.
  • Beginning in the 2026-27 season, the regular schedule will expand from 82 to 84 games while preseason slates are cut to four matchups per team.
  • Maximum contract lengths will shrink to seven years for re-signings and six years for free-agency deals, and deferred salary agreements will be banned.
  • A first-ever salary cap will apply to playoff rosters under updated long-term injured reserve rules to ensure postseason cap compliance.
  • The deal establishes a full-time emergency backup goalie position and maintains the existing 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue.