NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman embracing return to Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are set to be a significant event for the National Hockey League (NHL), as it will mark the first time in 12 years that NHL players will participate in the Games. According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, this move is expected to have a substantial impact on the league. Bettman recently shared his thoughts on the matter during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and at the CNBC Sport and Boardroom’s Game Plan conference in Santa Monica, California.

NHL’s Return to the Olympics

Prior to Bettman’s tenure as commissioner, which began in 1993, NHL players did not participate in the Olympics. However, after witnessing the positive effects of Olympic participation on the National Basketball Association (NBA), the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) worked together to allow players to participate in the Olympics, starting with the 1998 Games. This partnership continued until the 2014 Sochi Games, after which the NHL ceased its participation due to evolving business and industry considerations.

Challenges and Changes

Bettman described the NHL’s previous Olympic participation as “a bit of a mixed bag.” Despite the benefits of increased visibility, the league and its teams had limited control over promotional activities and faced challenges related to competition, particularly with regards to the number of players participating from each team. However, the NHL’s new deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed some of these concerns, including changes to the commercial arrangement and improved living conditions for players during the Games.

The desire of NHL players to compete at a national level, as highlighted by the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, also played a significant role in the league’s decision to return to the Olympics. Bettman emphasized the importance of allowing players to represent their countries, citing the history and tradition of international competition in the NHL.

Looking Ahead

While the NHL’s participation in the 2026 Olympics is confirmed, the league has not yet guaranteed its involvement in the 2030 Games. Bettman acknowledged that the upcoming Olympic participation will present challenges, including a nearly two-week pause in the regular season. Nevertheless, he believes that the benefits of participating in the Olympics will outweigh the difficulties, making it a worthwhile experience for the league and its players.