New stats have fans questioning Gary Bettman and his salary cap more than ever

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Josh Tupper
July 16, 2024 (10:33 PM)

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New Revenue Figures Highlight Disparity in NHL Players' Salaries

The latest revenue figures from North America's major sports leagues have sparked debate over why NHL players' salaries remain significantly lower compared to other leagues. Despite the NHL's impressive revenue growth, the pay gap persists.

The National Football League (NFL) unsurprisingly leads the way with $18.7 billion in revenue for 2023. Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) both generated $10.9 billion. The National Hockey League (NHL), while still trailing, brought in $6.8 billion. This figure shows the NHL is gaining ground, but the disparity in player salaries remains a contentious issue.

When comparing player salaries to league revenues, the contrast becomes even starker. The NHL's revenue is approximately 62.3% of what the MLB and NBA generate. Yet, the top-earning NHL players like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid made $12.6 million and $12.5 million, respectively, in the 2023-24 season. In contrast, NBA star Steph Curry earned $51.9 million, while MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani took home $70 million.

"Amazing how the NHL has suppressed player salaries given the high revenues."

One significant factor contributing to this discrepancy is the revenue from national TV and media deals, where the NHL lags behind. The NFL, MLB, and NBA secure far more lucrative deals, resulting in higher player salaries. Despite the NHL's growing revenues, its media deals are not as financially rewarding.

Additionally, the NHL's salary cap structure is designed to maintain competitive balance but also restricts player earnings. The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), set to expire in 2026, will likely see players pushing for a larger share of the league's revenue.

As noted by others, it's essential to understand that revenue does not equate to profit. However, the gap between NHL player salaries and those in the MLB and NBA remains vast. The upcoming CBA negotiations will be crucial in addressing these concerns and potentially increasing NHL player compensation to better reflect the league's revenue growth.

With the NHL's revenue climbing steadily, players and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this issue evolves and whether the league's financial success will translate into higher salaries for its athletes.