“We’re a little unique compared to other Olympic sports”: Gary Bettman discusses major NHL changes, media, future tournaments and power plays

The world’s best ice hockey players have returned to the Winter Games after years of missed moments for their fans, and officials are promising big changes for how media deals, player exposure, and international competition are handled.
When contacted by the media, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that negotiations with the Olympic officials have enabled more leeway, ensuring the league remains in the public eye rather than fading away after the event, as happened after the 2018 games and the 2022 cancellation of their participation due to the pandemic.

Olympic return is driven by player demand, media access and global growth plans, according to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman

At an announcement with NHL Players Association head Marty Walsh and International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif, Gary Bettman highlighted the increasing levels of cooperation between the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation, like intellectual property concessions, which included the ability of players to post their own social media content or the NHL itself being able to use Olympic branding.
“I think there’s an increasing recognition that we’re a little unique compared to all the other sports in the Olympics—Summer or Winter—because to do this, we’re stopping our season in the middle, and that is an imposition on the season. And I think, over time, that’s something that the IOC has begun to respect more and more,” he said.
His participation in the Olympics is one of the initial demands that came from players when he joined the union, having observed that at all times, fans want to see the best in action. Though the attention is presently on the Olympics, Bettman has declined to comment regarding his plans on reviving a World Cup of Hockey tournament that is set for a comeback later in the decade.
However, there are still some political realities at play in international hockey. For instance, Russia is not allowed to compete in Olympic team events due to its invasion of Ukraine, and Bettman said the league will continue to follow other international decisions regarding Russia’s involvement.
Off the ice, the logistical issues are being resolved. The recently opened Milano Santagiulia Arena, originally feared of being delayed, has started hosting the games. Preparations for the 2030 edition of the games, scheduled for the French Alps, are underway, and the demand for tickets might require larger venues.
One thing not likely to change anytime in the near future is the way in which the standings are structured. In international tournaments, winning in regulation earns teams three points, but Bettman said the league has always been comfortable with its system and sees no reason to alter it.


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