Bettman Defends NHL Tax Stance Amidst Player Criticism

League Commissioner Clashes with Former Player Over Florida Incentives

A heated exchange has erupted between NHL commissioner **Gary Bettman** and former player **Paul Bissonnette** regarding the financial implications of teams relocating to states with favorable tax laws, specifically Florida. The debate centers on whether such moves create an unfair competitive advantage.

Bettman’s Firm Response

**Bettman** has repeatedly defended the league’s position, dismissing concerns as “ridiculous.” He argues that teams are simply responding to economic realities and that the league isn’t responsible for state tax policies. He stated, “It’s a ridiculous issue.” This stance has drawn criticism from those who believe it exacerbates financial disparities between teams.

Gary Bettman challenges Paul Bissonnette’s ‘ridiculous’ concerns over Florida state tax https://t.co/qJq9wJqJ9q

“I think it’s a ridiculous issue,” **Bettman** said, according to Awful Announcing.

—Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner

The discussion gained further traction when hockey legend **Wayne Gretzky** suggested the Florida Panthers are essentially “buying success” through tax loopholes. This accusation adds weight to the argument that the current system creates an uneven playing field. According to a 2023 report by the Tax Foundation, Florida has the 5th lowest state and local tax burden in the United States, attracting both residents and businesses (Tax Foundation).

CBA Discussions and Future Outlook

Despite the growing debate, the NHL has indicated that changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to address state tax disparities are unlikely. The league maintains that the issue is best left to individual states to resolve. A recent report from The Athletic indicates that the CBA won’t tackle state taxes, but will address Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) rules and other matters.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman rips TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette over question about taxes https://t.co/qJq9wJqJ9q

The controversy highlights a broader concern within the NHL about competitive balance and the impact of financial factors on team success. While **Bettman** remains steadfast in his position, the pressure to address these issues is likely to persist as more teams consider relocating to tax-friendly states.

The league’s future direction on this matter will undoubtedly be a key topic of discussion in upcoming CBA negotiations and will shape the competitive landscape of the NHL for years to come.