Gary Bettman Retirement Update: NHL Commissioner Teases Exit Date in 2025, Addresses All-Star Game
Gary Bettman Keeps NHL Fans Guessing About Retirement Following Latest Statement That Turns Head
Back in January,
word got out that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the league's Board of Governors he plans to retire «in a couple years.»
Bettman has been 'leading' the league since 1993, growing the NHL from 24 teams to 32 by adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle-cities not known for hockey, but bring the 72-year old commish some big bucks.
Under him, the league now makes $7 billion a year, and teams are worth billions each.
On Wednesday, after meeting with team general managers, Bettman faced questions from TSN reporter
Pierre LeBrun about his retirement at a league-wide meeting.
Bettman didn't give a straight answer and he teased LeBrun, saying:
«You keep trying to get rid of me. No such luck. I'm going to see if I can outlast you.»
He made it clear he hadn't told the GMs anything about stepping down.
Bettman's been running the league for over 30 years, and while he's hinted at retiring soon, he's not giving a clear date.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold said in January that the NHL has started looking for the next leader.
A special group of executives is working on finding Bettman's replacement, according to
HockeyFeed.
Sadly, Bettman isn't going anywhere fast, but retirement is growing larger, much like his age.
Bettman addresses All-Star Game
Bettman says the #NHL is re-evaluating the 2026 All-Star Game format in New York because they've «raised the bar» with what an All-Star weekend might look like as a result of success at #4Nations.
It appears that the NHL will be looking away from their underwhelming All-Star Weekend this year.
But something 'completely different' may be coming...
Previously on Red Wings Insider
POLL |
MARS 19 | 193 ANSWERS Gary Bettman Retirement Update: NHL Commissioner Teases Exit Date in 2025, Addresses All-Star Game Do you think Bettman's done a good job as promoting the NHL through his 30 years as league head? |
Yes | 48 | 24.9 % |
No way | 145 | 75.1 % |
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