The NHL and NHLPA announced Tuesday that they have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, which will run through 2029-30. The league and players agreed to a 10-year agreement in 2013, which was extended in 2020. The new pact will start in 2026-27.
Details from the agreement will not be released to the public until a later date, however it does include the following: in 2026-27, NHL teams will play an 84-game schedule, up from the current 82 games. This will allow the league to schedule more division games, which it believes will help raise attendances and television ratings. In addition, teams will still visit an opponent at least once during the regular season.
The 84-game schedule was last used by the NHL for the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons when two neutral-site games were played by all teams. The increase of the regular-season schedule will see the preseason schedule cut down to four games per team, with players who have at least 100 career games played allowed to play in a maximum of two preseason games.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a news release: “While we didn’t agree on everything, we had a very constructive, professional, collaborative collective-bargaining process. We identified the issues that were important.”This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the Union work together — an agreement that will allow for the continued worldwide growth of the game. We are grateful to the board of governors for its support of this agreement that strengthens our game and ensures we are collectively delivering a great fan experience in the years to come.”
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said in a statement: “This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the Union work together — an agreement that will allow for the continued worldwide growth of the game. That is a win for everyone. We could not have achieved this outcome without the involvement and support of our players. Special thanks to our executive board and negotiating Committee.”
The 2025-26 NHL regular season will start Oct. 7. The league announced last week that players also will be cleared to participate in the 2026 Summer Olympics, which will be Feb. 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
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