Gary Bettman talks about NHL growth, global play, and future goals on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

As the 2025–26 NHL season was about to begin, Gary Bettman spoke about the progress of the league on “The Pat McAfee Show” in a candid manner. From international tournaments to franchise strength, Bettman went through hockey's growing momentum with a wide-angle view.

The conversation went more into the off-ice decisions and global engagement that are now designing the future of professional hockey, rather than staying on scores and standings.

Gary Bettman talks on the Growing Global Momentum of the NHL, team strength, and fan loyalty

In his talk, Gary Bettman emphasized that the NHL is growing in the international sphere. With the 4 Nations Face-Off happening recently and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics around the corner, it probably makes him proud that the players are so invested in representing their countries.

Moreover, endless international events bring fan engagement to all corners of the globe, but Bettman pointed out that international athletes feel an onslaught of passion from within, never seeing traffic of such magnitude ever crossing their career path.Switching gears, Bettman praised the Florida Panthers for their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, from their strong ownership, commitment, and dedication from the players.

He said that if a team provides the right culture and resources, talent is attracted to it and remains long-term competitive. This is the big difference, he said, between sustainable teams in this league.Expansion talk led to some light-hearted banter as the proud Indianapolis native suggested his city as a potential future team location. Nearly eight cities have shown interest, Bettman affirmed, but the NHL is not pursuing expansion currently.

The anticipated strength and stability of its 32 teams are utmost in focus right now, he said, hailing them as the healthiest and most engaged the league has ever seen.Reflecting on the wrapping interview, Bettman said about the 2025 NHL Draft that it was a memorable event: the emotional moments and stars from top draft pick Matthew Schaefer’s reaction to the involvement of celebrities all came together to make it a significant night for our sport, in his words.Also Read: Evander Kane returns to Vancouver Canucks: The hometown dream tarnished with a sudden incidentThe thoughts from Bettman reveal a league with flux in its native North America and an increased period of extension in global stature. With strong teams, fervent players, and rising fan support, the NHL looks forward to entering a new age of hockey eminence.