Overview

• Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner since 1993, has acknowledged the need for eventual retirement planning but emphasized he has no immediate timeline to step down.
• The NHL's executive committee has begun preparations for leadership succession, as confirmed by Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold in a recent podcast appearance.
• During Bettman's tenure, the league has expanded from 24 to 32 teams, with revenues growing from $400 million to a projected $6.6 billion in 2024-25.
• Bettman expressed continued passion for his role but noted the complexity of transitioning leadership after his record-breaking 32-year tenure.
• Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, with two decades of experience in NHL leadership, is considered a likely candidate to succeed Bettman when the time comes.