"Will prioritize new CBA & drop $4B expansion fees": Allan Walsh calls out Gary Bettman's statement on NHL expansion

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently addressed the ongoing discussions about league expansion, stating there is currently no urgency to pursue it.

Following what he described as the most successful season in NHL history, Bettman highlighted that the league's focus is on collective bargaining and new media arrangements in Canada over the next few years, according to a report by Sportsnet.

Bettman also said that while they remain open to considering expansion if a proposal meets all necessary criteria, it is not a priority at this time.

Meanwhile, Allan Walsh, a sports agent, responded critically to Bettman's statement. He pointed out the inconsistency of discussing potential expansion fees of $2 billion per team while claiming financial constraints ahead of CBA negotiations.

He suggested that Gary Bettman will prioritize the new CBA before considering expansion fees, which he noted could reach $4 billion for the owners.

"Of course not. Can’t do expansion at $2 Billion per team, then claim empty pockets going into CBA talks. Gary will prioritize new CBA and then drop $4 Billion expansion fee on the owners. Lots of expansion activity going on informally behind the scenes," Walsh wrote on X/Twitter.

Bettman pointed out the contradictory nature of external pressure, with some urging the league to expand while others question the rationale behind it. He concluded that expansion is not a pressing issue for the league at the moment.

Gary Bettman expects league revenue will continue to rise

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed optimism about the league's financial growth. They anticipate that league revenue will continue to rise, allowing for an increase in the salary cap from $85.5 million this season to $92.5 million next season.

While Bettman refrained from making firm guarantees about the salary cap for the 2025–26 season, describing current projections as "preliminary," Daly indicated that the outlook is positive.

Bettman also indicated that while negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement could potentially begin as early as November, both the league and the players' association have some preparatory work to complete first.

"I’ve said that it could be as early as November, but I think everybody’s got some homework to do,” Bettman said. “I know that the union’s on their full tour, so no big deal."

"It’s just I think, in terms of timing, that’s probably the most realistic, which is still well in advance (of the current CBA expiring), and we think we’re collectively, in terms of the relationship, in a good place," via Sportsnet.

Gary Bettman acknowledged that the union is currently engaged in its activities, but he emphasized that the timing is still well ahead of the current CBA expiration in the summer of 2026.