What Happened
During the Board of Governors meeting, the NHL outlined its first estimate for the 2028-29 salary cap ceiling at $127.5 million, according to multiple sources. Commissioner Gary Bettman noted that mixed-currency revenue projections for the upcoming season sit at approximately $8.1 billion. The current campaign operates with a $104 million cap, and the following season is set at $113.5 million under the current three-season agreement between the league and the NHLPA. If the 2028-29 projection holds, the $14 million increase would mark the largest single-season jump in the cap era.
Key Details
- Projected 2028-29 cap ceiling: $127.5 million
- Estimated revenue for the upcoming season: $8.1 billion
- Current season salary cap: $104 million
- Next season salary cap: $113.5 million
- Projected year-over-year increase: $14 million
What It Means
The substantial rise in the upper limit offers significant financial flexibility for player payrolls following recent high-value contracts signed across the league. However, the rapid growth presents financial hurdles for clubs, particularly smaller Canadian market franchises operating with revenues in Canadian currency.
What's Next
The league and the NHLPA continue to operate under their current three-season agreement while tracking revenue milestones toward future cap increases.