Particle.news

Download on the App Store

NHL Tax Disparities Under Scrutiny as Panthers Advance to Final

Commissioner Gary Bettman dismisses tax concerns even as analysts warn they affect roster building and could shape the next collective bargaining agreement

Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk, left to right, Sam Bennett, Nate Schmidt and Carter Verhaeghe celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup final in Edmonton, Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Image
Image

Overview

  • Bettman called the issue “ridiculous” during a TNT appearance, asking whether players ever chose teams based on tax tables
  • Six teams in states without income tax—Florida, Tampa Bay, Vegas, Dallas, Nashville and Seattle—may benefit from an innate financial edge in attracting talent
  • An AFP Consulting study found no-tax teams have qualified for the playoffs at a higher rate since 2016, though experts stress management, coaching and market appeal also matter
  • Brad Marchand highlighted that up to a 15 percent tax differential can substantially influence free agency decisions for players
  • Analyst Paul Bissonnette and tax specialist Alan Pogroszewski suggest that the next CBA could include cap adjustments to offset state tax imbalances