NHL and NHLPA make bold move with surprise CBA deal lasting until 2030

Big news just came out before the 2025 NHL Draft. The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have quietly reached a deal that could change the next few years of the league. Many fans and players were not expecting this so early. Now, everyone is talking. The agreement was announced during a live press event in Los Angeles just hours before the draft, and it looks like the NHL will enjoy labor peace for a long time.


Gary Bettman and Marty Walsh confirm deal to extend labor agreement through 2030

At a press conference in Los Angeles on Friday, June 28, 2025, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh, and NHLPA Assistant Executive Director Ron Hainsey disclosed that they had approved four years more of the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).



The current agreement, set to end on September 15, 2026, will now continue through September 15, 2030, if both sides approve it in upcoming votes. Bettman called the extension “completely refreshing” and said it gives the league, players, and business partners a clear and stable future.

Marty Walsh said talks had been ongoing for more than two years. He added that early conversations with Bettman helped build trust. They focused on growing hockey through global events like the Olympics, the World Cup, and the 4 Nations Face-Off, and both sides believed it was time to lock in stability.


Players and teams welcome changes as final votes are expected soon

The NHL Board of Governors is expected to review the CBA details soon. Bettman said the board had already seen most of the new terms during meetings earlier this week. Meanwhile, the NHLPA will present the deal to players for a full vote within the next week.

Though the final document is still private, a few key points have been reported. These include an 84-game regular season, fewer preseason games (now just four), and a new rule for contract length. Players can now sign for seven years with the same team, or six years with a new team.

John Tavares, who just signed a four-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, called the news “great for the game.” He said this deal shows how much the league has grown, and that things feel more stable than in past years.

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Bettman praised Walsh for helping keep talks smooth and focused. Both sides said they didn’t agree on everything but worked with respect to find a deal that helps everyone.