The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have announced a historic agreement, ensuring increased predictability in core NHL Salary Cap economics for at least the next three years, extending through the 2027-28 season.

Under the agreement, the annual increases to the Upper Limit have been set for the 2025-26 and subsequent seasons, subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement being upheld beyond the 2025-26 season: a $7.5 million jump in 2025-26, an $8.5 million increase in 2026-27, and a $9.5 million boost in 2027-28.

Team Payroll Ranges Projected for the Next Three Seasons

For the 2024-25 season, the team payroll ranges will encompass an Upper Limit of $95.5 million and a Lower Limit of $70.6 million. In the consecutive 2025-26 season, these figures escalate to an Upper Limit of $104 million and a Lower Limit of $76.9 million, with both being projected to rise further to $113.5 million and $83.9 million, respectively, by 2026-27.

It’s worth noting that the projected team payroll ranges for 2025-26 and 2026-27 might experience minor adjustments either upwards or downwards, reflecting potential shifts in the anticipated revenue pool.

Forecasted Salary Caps and Revenue Dynamics

Initially, in December, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman projected the salary cap for the 2024-25 season to be $92.4 million, representing a $4 million escalation from the current season’s cap at $88 million.

Bettman acknowledged, however, that there was a potential for the cap figure to reach even higher, contingent upon negotiations with the NHL Players’ Association.

“The cap under the present guidelines stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement would rise by 5 percent,” Bettman commented on December 10. “With revenues on the radar, discussions will be ongoing between the NHL and the Players’ Association concerning escrow levels and whether the cap should or could be fine-tuned further. Naturally, this dialogue hinges on mutual agreement and will be conducted collaboratively with the NHLPA.”

Continuous Negotiations for Future Enhancements

The NHL and NHLPA confirmed continued intentions to convene and discuss potential amendments or improvements to the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement beyond the 2024-25 season.

In December, Bettman expressed optimism about the possibility of finalizing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement sometime this year, potentially wrapping up formalities before the Stanley Cup Final kick-off in June.

“Collective bargaining forecasts remain speculative at this juncture,” Bettman continued. “However, the partnership between the NHL and NHLPA remains exceptionally positive, and communicative channels are open, professional, and amicable, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to swift and seamless completion.”

Upcoming Tournaments to Highlight the NHL’s Global Reach

The news of the salary cap adjustments appears just two weeks prior to the commencement of the 4 Nations Face-Off, an elite international event featuring NHL talent from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.

Additionally, NHL athletes will have a chance to showcase their skills at the Winter Olympics in February 2026, making a substantial return to the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.