NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on the Canadian dollar on the league during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” Bettman highlighted the significant contribution of the NHL’s seven Canadian teams, which make up 25% of the league’s total revenue.
He emphasized that a decline in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar could pose challenges for the Canadian teams, as they pay their players in American currency. The implementation of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, initiated by President Donald Trump, triggered retaliatory tariffs from Canada.
Bettman admitted that he has not yet engaged with the Trump administration on this issue but underscored his long-standing connection with Canada, stating that Canadians have an affinity for Americans. He attributed the current tensions to a “policy issue” and expressed hope for a prompt resolution.
The recent political friction between Canada and the United States added intensity to the NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off held in Montreal and Boston. The tournament witnessed heightened emotions during matches between the U.S. and Canada, with instances such as the American anthem receiving boos before the U.S.’s victory over Canada and reciprocal reactions from fans during Canada’s win in the tournament final.