NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, 74, plans to remain in his role
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 11:01 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, celebrating his 74th birthday, stated he is not planning to retire soon despite discussions of a succession plan with the Board of Governors executive committee. Speaking at his annual state of the NHL news conference ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, Bettman acknowledged his age but emphasized that he is not in a hurry for retirement. He also announced a new All-Star Weekend format for 2027, which includes a skills competition and an international event. The success of the 4 Nations Face-Off influenced these changes. Bettman reassured that hockey will maintain strong labor relations through 2030 under the current collective bargaining agreement with the Players' Association.
- •Bettman has been NHL Commissioner since 1993.
- •Discussions of a succession plan are ongoing but not urgent.
- •All-Star Weekend in 2027 will feature a new format.
- •The current collective bargaining agreement is in effect through 2030.
- •International player participation remains under review.
- 11:01 PMYahoo Sports — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says on his 74th birthday retiring is not imminent
"Hours after a report surfaced that he was discussing a succession plan with members of the Board of Governors executive committee, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated that he is not expecting to retire any time soon from the job he has held for more than three decades. Bettman on his 74th birthday acknowledged the league has a plan in place like any major organization but is not in any rush to enact it. "I am 74, and I do acknowledge the fact that I can’t do this forever," Bettman said Tuesday during his annual state of the NHL news conference prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
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