Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman
Gary Bruce Bettmanis the commissioner of the National Hockey League, a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association. Bettman is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSports Executive
Date of Birth2 June 1952
CityQueens, NY
CountryUnited States of America
fact hunt matter playoffs qualified regular season strong teams term until upset
I like the term 'competitive balance,' but the fact is, when you look at this year's playoffs, no matter who wins, it is probably not an upset because any one of the 16 teams that qualified have a chance. The regular season was exciting. There were 24 teams in the hunt until just about the end. Then, when you look at these series, the playoffs are off to a strong start.
bed capacity cent compelling empty expect fact fans fewer fixed knew per places result seats work
In places where there still are some empty seats, there are fewer empty seats than there were in the past. I didn't expect we'd come back from the work stoppage to 100 per cent of capacity overnight, but the fact that we're up 5 per cent is spectacular. I knew that when we got everything put to bed and fixed the right way, the result would be compelling enough that our fans would respond.
best era fact forward governors hear indication league light move perhaps players ted together
I thought that in light of the new era that we were ushering in, there would be no better indication of the fact that the players and the league are working together to move things forward that the best indication of that would be to have Ted here. And perhaps even more important, I thought it was important for the governors to hear what's on the players' mind.
constant damage found last ourselves result situation suggestion tremendous year
In many quarters, there was a constant suggestion over the last year that the situation we found ourselves in would result in tremendous damage and that's not the case,
business deliver dynamic entertainment experience function leagues partners sports technology vehicles
In an increasingly dynamic sports and entertainment marketplace, new technology and entertainment vehicles have impacted the way sports leagues function and how we deliver the NHL experience to our business partners and fans,
looking radar
not something we're looking at right now. It's not on the radar screen.
anticipate continue continuous cover coverage expect fans highlight meaningful
They will continue to cover us in a meaningful and significant way, which is what we expect and the fans of this sport deserve. We anticipate continuous highlight coverage of our games.
answer bring came deserve fans somebody team terms
The fans deserve better in terms of experience. If there was no team here and somebody came to us and said, 'We'd like to bring a team to Nassau Coliseum,' our answer would be, 'Are you kidding?
cap exactly
The cap is working exactly how it was intended.
habit people schedule time
It will take time for people to find us, to get into the habit, to get used to what the schedule is.
allow closer fans forward game hockey looking
It will allow hockey fans to see a whole new game and get closer to hockey than ever before. This is so cool. We're really looking forward to it.
again economic problems stood teams until
When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved,
balance enhance good hockey olympics
We go to the Olympics because it's part of our partnership with the players. This was very important to the players. It's not without its issues, but on balance I think it's a good thing to do. It will enhance the hockey tournament.
feedback might pushing teams
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teams might be pushing more because they don't want to go to a shootout.