Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has had the job for over 33 years, and he isn't quitting anytime soon. The 74-year-old became the commissioner on February 1, 1993, and has contributed significantly to the NHL's growth.
Bettman addressed the media on June 2, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights. He was asked about his retirement and future plans, per an RMNB website report
“Any major organization, it’s incumbent upon its CEO, which a commissioner is, and its board, to have a succession plan. I am 74, and I do acknowledge the fact that I can’t do this forever. We have been in discussions over the last couple of years as to what a succession plan might look like.”
Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks at a press conference before the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks at a press conference before the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The line of questioning came just after reports arrived that he was discussing plans with the league’s board members.
Bettman also stated that he isn’t going away as the commissioner anytime soon, according to the RMNB report.
“It hasn’t been fully implemented... there’s nothing happening imminently, and reports of my demise or retirement are greatly exaggerated,” he explained.
It is understood that if Bettman leaves, he could be replaced by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. The 62-year-old has been in his role since 2005.
During his tenure, Bettman has been able to convert all 32 franchises into successful money-making entities. The players have benefited from record salaries, and the league has record television contracts.
Expanding the NHL to the U.S. Sun Belt remains one of Bettman's most significant achievements. His innovation has not stopped even today.
Gary Bettman Unveiled a New Format for the 2027 All-Star Weekend in the NHL
During the annual NHL news conference, Gary Bettman unveiled a new 2027 All-Star Weekend format alongside the NHLPA Executive Director, Marty Walsh.
The NHL has planned to host the skills competition for 10 players aged 25 or under, taking place on Friday, February 5, 2027, at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.
After that, the NHL is looking to conduct a round-robin, 3-on-3 tournament on February 6, with five teams from the US, Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the rest of the world.
“We think the format that we created will be fun,” Bettman said, as per the Messenger-Inquirer website report.
It will be interesting to see if the new format for the All-Star Weekend works out well next year. This is especially due to the increased popularity of the NHL in the aftermath of the Winter Olympics and the ongoing Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Will Gary Bettman continue to guide the NHL well into the future? Tell us in the comments.
Written by
Arjun Sharma
Edited by
Surjo Ray