NHL and Players’ Union Agree to Four-Year CBA Extension Starting 2026-27 With 84-Game Season and Playoff Salary Cap

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have agreed to a four-year extension of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which will run through the 2029-30 season. The new deal, announced ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, includes an increase in the regular season schedule from 82 to 84 games starting with the 2026-27 season. Other key elements of the agreement include a playoff salary cap, shortened preseason, new limits on player contract lengths, and changes to the league's dress code. The extension aims to provide at least five more years of labor peace in the NHL. The agreement also introduces permanent emergency backup goaltenders (EBUGs) and expanded opportunities for young players in the American Hockey League (AHL). League commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh were present for the announcement but declined to discuss specific details as the agreement awaits ratification by both parties.