The NHL and NHLPA announced Tuesday that they have officially ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The new CBA is set to take effect in 2026-27 and will run through the 2029-30 season.
After the league and players’ association announced at the 2025 NHL Draft that they had agreed to terms on a new deal, both the NHL’s Board of Governors and the NHLPA’s full membership voted to ratify the agreement.
Though the full text of the CBA was not released in Tuesday’s announcement, the agreement reportedly includes a transition to an 84-game season. The changes would allow each team play their divisional rivals four times a season, while the preseason will be shortened to four games.
Other reported changes include shorter maximum contract lengths, a playoff salary cap system, mandatory neck guards for incoming players, banning fitness tests, shortened training camps, full-time emergency backup goaltenders, and an end to off-ice dress codes.
The new agreement prevents a potential lockout, which previously caused the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 season and a shortened 2012-13 season.
Here’s the full press release from the NHL and NHLPA:
NHL, NHLPA Ratify Four-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
NEW YORK/TORONTO (July 8, 2025) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association’s full membership and the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors have ratified a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement, more than a year before the expiration of the current contract. The new agreement runs through the 2029-30 season.
“The partnership between the Players’ Association and the League is stronger than it ever has been and working together under this agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the game,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “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.”
“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,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “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 Memorandum of Understanding will be made available on NHL.com and NHLPA.com at a later date.
