Bettman is in Stockholm for the NHL games between Pittsburgh and Nashville in what is called the Global Series.
The NHL has played games in Europe for many years and there are those who are convinced that the North American league has ulterior motives for doing so.
The NBA basketball league has already decided to establish itself here with a European League and it could start as early as 2027.
It is also in collaboration with the European branch of the International Basketball Federation, Fiba Europe.
“Great respect”
But NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says there are no such plans in hockey.
It's not something we focus on, we have great respect for the existing leagues in Europe, they are strong and important and while the best players come to the NHL, we would rather help the leagues that are here to increase interest in hockey, Bettman tells TT.
According to Bettman, the fact that the NHL has opened a European office in Zurich for the first time is about that.
We have many media and business partners in Europe and we would love the chance to grow the sport together with the leagues in Europe and the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation), he says.
Swedish World Cup?
One way to increase interest is the NHL's participation in the Olympics, which also means that the World Cup will be resurrected in 2028.
The plan is for eight teams to participate in the World Cup, which will be played in February, with matches in both Europe and North America, where the playoffs will also be decided. Which cities have applied to host matches is a secret, but Bettman confirms that there could be matches in Sweden.
Yes, it's possible, he says.
At a press conference, the NHL says that there are bids from six European cities to host World Cup matches.
The host cities will be announced around the Olympics in February.
