Sunday, November 1, 2026

NHL Takes Out $1B Loan

  • The money will be divided among all 31 teams to curtail cash-flow issues, payroll costs, and other operational expenses.
  • The league has already implemented other measures to make up for lost revenue from the 2019-20 season.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced a new plan to survive the shortened season.

The league is borrowing approximately $1 billion. The money will be divided among all 31 teams to curtail cash-flow issues, payroll costs, and other operational expenses, according to Sports Business Journal. 

The NHL is in the beginning stages of its 56-game season. The commissioner had announced on Jan. 11 that the league could lose billions in potential revenue. 

The league has already implemented other measures to make up for lost revenue from the 2019-20 season:

  • Helmet ads are expected to generate $15 million across all teams. 
  • New division sponsors — Discover, Honda, MassMutual, and Scotiabank — are viewed as a “one-year-only” campaign.”

The NBA issued a similar plan by acquiring $900 million in debt and giving each of its franchises $30 million to help teams navigate financial losses. 

Months away from the postseason, chances are Bettman’s billion-dollar announcement won’t be the last major adjustment.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Washington Capitals NHL star Alex Ovechkin takes part in the team’s first practice of the season days after he appeared in a propaganda ad for the United Russia party, which supports the regime of Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in Arlington, Virginia, US, September 17, 2026.

Russia Allowed Back Into International Hockey After Court Lifts Ban

Russia could be included in the Men’s World Championship next May.
Downtown Moncton Garden Inn

Canadian Hotel Strikes Gold With Parking Garage Hockey Rink

Youth hockey teams are booking years in advance.
ernie johnson

Ernie Johnson Wants ‘Inside the NBA’ to Continue Without Him

Johnson said he doesn’t want to be “blamed” for ending the show.
Josh Kushner attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 10, 2026.
Exclusive

Josh Kushner, Bob Iger Shopping Lakers Stakes Starting at $250M

Sources tell FOS there has been massive interest in minority stakes.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.

NFL Owners Haven’t Fired a Coach Yet: ‘It’s Coming,’ Agent Says

The league hasn’t gone this long without a coaching change since 2017.
October 31, 2026

WNBA Finals Game 6 Draws 1.5M Viewers After Scheduling Uproar

The controversial matinee game outdrew last year’s primetime championship clincher.
October 31, 2026

Valkyries Win WNBA Title in Second Season

It’s the last Finals appearance for WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
First at FOS
October 31, 2026

Caleb Williams Hiding Cleat Logos ‘Makes Sense’ After Fines, CEO Says

Close to 100 NFL players wear Caddix cleats without endorsement deals.
First at FOS
October 30, 2026

Tomlin Could Be Hottest NFL Coaching Candidate—If He Wants It

His broadcasting success could outweigh lucrative NFL coaching offers.
October 30, 2026

MLB Player Market Races Against Expected Lockout on Dec. 1

Contract option decisions begin what will be a compressed player market.
October 30, 2026

World Series Viewership Shows Impact of Broadcast Schedule Pivot

A pivot to a Friday start date paid higher dividends this year.