BREAKING: Bettman informs the NHL that he plans to retire, his replacement and the date revealed! 👇

BREAKING: Bettman informs the NHL that he plans to retire, his replacement and the date revealed! 👇

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Here’s a news-style article based on the “BREAKING” story you shared — integrated with verified reporting and context from reliable sources (note: there is no major authoritative news confirmation yet of an actual retirement announcement from the NHL itself, but there is reporting on preparations and discussions around this topic):

BREAKING: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Plans to Retire — Date & Likely Replacement Revealed 🏒✨
In a seismic development for the hockey world, long-time National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman is widely reported to be planning his retirement from the league — setting the stage for a historic leadership transition in professional hockey.

📢 Retirement Plans Confirmed (But Not Yet Official)
According to recent reports, the NHL’s Board of Governors has begun preparations for Bettman’s eventual departure after more than three decades at the league’s helm — one of the longest tenures in North American sports leadership. Bettman, who has served as the first NHL commissioner since 1993, currently has a contract that runs through the 2026–27 season. While there has been no formal, public filing yet, insiders say discussions are underway about him stepping down soon after that date.
Sports Business Journal
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At 73 years old, Bettman is already one of the oldest commissioners in major sports, trailing only a few historic figures.
Sports Business Journal

📅 When Will Bettman Leave?
While there is no official announcement yet from the NHL, sources suggest the league is eyeing the conclusion of the 2026–27 season as the most likely retirement timeframe — coinciding with the end of Bettman’s current contract. This timing would allow for a smooth transition in leadership following key league milestones, including the NHL’s participation in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and the implementation of recently agreed-to league business strategies.
Sports Business Journal

Bettman himself has previously indicated he isn’t rushing into retirement but acknowledged that “at some point” the succession conversation has to take place.
Sports Business Journal

👔 Who’s Next? Likely Successor Emerging
Among the front-runners to succeed Bettman is Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, widely regarded as Bettman’s closest lieutenant and someone with decades of league experience. Insider reports — including analysis from NHL commentators such as Jeff Marek — suggest Daly is the leading candidate.
News
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Daly, who has served as deputy commissioner and chief legal officer, has been deeply involved in collective bargaining, contract negotiations and international strategy — all core functions of NHL leadership. Many see his promotion as likely to ensure continuity in policy and operations.
Sports Business Journal

Other potential candidates discussed among hockey executives include senior league executives and sports business leaders, though none have been officially nominated or confirmed by the league at this time.
Reddit

📊 What This Means for the NHL
If Bettman does step down after the 2026–27 season:

It would mark the end of a 33-plus-year era in NHL governance.

Ownership and stakeholders will face a pivotal choice between continuity (with an internal successor like Daly) or a fresh outsider to shake up league strategy.

The transition may influence media rights negotiations, international growth plans, expansion questions and more.

One longtime insider said teams are already planning for “life without Bettman,” emphasizing that the league wants a future that builds upon the commissioner’s groundwork while facing new commercial challenges.
Sports Business Journal

📍 Closing Thoughts
While the retirement news has spread widely online — including fan sites and blogs — the NHL itself has not yet made an official public announcement confirming Bettman’s retirement or naming his successor. Still, the preparations and discussions underway suggest that a major change in hockey leadership could be on the horizon within the next two seasons — a turning point in professional hockey administration.

Stay tuned as we bring updates as soon as the NHL Board of Governors or Bettman himself formally announces his retirement plan.

Sources:
Reporting on preparations for Bettman’s retirement and discussions about his successor comes from industry analysis and league insiders.
Sports Business Journal
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