Top Hockey League to Open Collective Bargaining Agreement Talks in 2025
The top hockey league in the world is gearing up to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its players. The current CBA is set to expire on September 15, 2026, and league officials are optimistic about reaching a deal.
The league’s commissioner announced that talks will begin at the start of 2025, giving both sides ample time to work out an agreement. The players’ union has already started gathering feedback from its members, with its executive director visiting all 32 teams to understand their concerns and priorities.
One of the key issues on the table is the league’s schedule. There is talk of reducing the number of preseason games and expanding the regular season, which currently consists of 82 games. This could lead to more regional rivalry matchups and a more balanced schedule.
The league is also considering changes to its salary cap structure. A preliminary figure of $92.5 million has been floated for the 2025-26 season, up from the current $88 million. Additionally, the league has granted a special dispensation to one team to operate below the salary floor due to extraordinary circumstances.
Despite rumors of further expansion, the league has confirmed that this is not a priority at present. With several cities expressing interest in joining the league, officials are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Overall, the tone is positive, and both sides are hopeful of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. As the commissioner noted, “Based on the status of our relationship, this will be fine.”
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