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Gary Bettman Sends a Clear Message About Florida Following Major Controversy

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 10:28 AM ET

Gary Bettman has been very firm in his stance on the no-tax state situation, and now he's made a statement that confirms nothing will be done to change it as a new NHL CBA approaches in the coming years.

Over the past few months, chatter has picked up around the NHL regarding the advantage that a no-tax state like Florida, Nevada and Texas, especially seeing as a Florida team has been in six straight Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While there's been plenty of criticism around the NHL not seeing it as an advantage, Commissioner Gary Bettman has been firm in his stance that it's always been there, but only until recently has it become an issue for some people.

On the surface, 'that's the way it's always been done' or 'it's always been like that' is never a good reason to continue doing something, but regardless, Bettman has now made an official statement on the situation.

'When the Florida teams weren't good, which was for about 17 years, nobody said anything about it.No, you wanted to go to a good organization in a place where you wanted to live, where you wanted to raise your kids and send them to school.'

Sure, the Florida teams haven't historically been great until recently, but it's hard to ignore that the buying power of $7 million for one of those teams is the same as $10 million against the salary cap for other teams, but it's something that Bettman simply continues to ignore.

The new NHL CBA is set to be signed ahead of the 2026/27 season, and while many believe something in there should set some boundaries around this situation, given Bettman's reaction to it, it's highly unlikely.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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