What Happened
Sportsnet projects the NHL's salary cap ceiling could reach $150 million USD by 2029-30, three seasons from now. That would represent a 44 per cent increase from this season's $104 million upper limit. The projection, verified by multiple team, league and Players' Association sources according to Sportsnet, comes as the league continues managing cap growth following the pandemic-era flat cap.
Key Details
- Projected ceiling of $150 million USD by 2029-30, per Sportsnet.
- This season's cap ceiling is $104 million.
- The projection is a 44 per cent increase over three seasons.
- Bettman said recapturing the system will take roughly two more years.
- Bettman said this season's projected revenue was just north of $8 billion.
What It Means
The cap has been held artificially low during the smoothing process, and Bettman has said the league wants to avoid a sudden jump that would benefit whichever players happen to hit free agency in a given year. Once the system recaptures, Bettman said the cap will rise in line with revenue growth. A ceiling near $150 million would substantially change the spending environment teams plan around.
What's Next
Bettman estimated the recapture process will take about two more years, after which the cap is expected to track revenue growth. The league has not announced future cap figures beyond that framework.