Why Is NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman So Polarizing for Fans?
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been in the driver’s seat through three decades of the league’s ups and downs. While there have been numerous positive changes within the NHL over that time period—most notably, the increase in team valuations—Bettman has also been at the NHL’s helm during multiple controversies, from three lockouts to the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal to the league’s stance on CTE and concussions.
Fans have often shown their displeasure with Bettman, and, like many sports league commissioners, he is regularly booed when he appears publicly, such as when presenting the Stanley Cup trophy or at the NHL draft. However, at last year’s draft, Bettman leaned into the hate, telling the crowd, “You can do better than that.”
More from Sportico.com
Contents
How long has Gary Bettman been NHL commissioner?
Gary Bettman, 71, has been the NHL’s commissioner since Feb. 1, 1993, making him the longest-serving commissioner in any North American pro sports league. He is also the league’s first official commissioner; before the commissioner title was established, the league’s highest-ranking executive position was the NHL president, a role which five people have held.
Before he became the commissioner, Bettman was a senior vice president and general counsel at the NBA, where he worked closely with David Stern, the NBA’s commissioner for 30 years, from 1984-2014.
During Bettman’s first full season in 1993-94, the league had 26 teams. It has since expanded to 33 teams (one of which is inactive) and is preparing to welcome a franchise to Utah.
What is Gary Bettman’s salary?
There haven’t been any publicly reported details on his salary since the 2013-14 season.
Did Gary Bettman play in the NHL?
No, Bettman never played in the NHL. However, in 2016, Bettman told Sportsnet that he can, in fact, skate. As for organized sports, Sportsnet reported he was on his high school soccer team, and he told a local New Jersey publication he played…
