• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 2, 2025

NHL Takes Page From NFL, Bettman to Announce First-Round Draft Picks

Sports league drafts have never been bigger business, and the NHL is making a set of changes to tap further into that development. 

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman welcomes fans to the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Another major U.S. sports league is looking to emulate some of the massive draft success enjoyed by the NFL. 

The NHL has set plans to have commissioner Gary Bettman read the names of first-round selections at the 2025 draft, set for June 27–28 in Los Angeles. Traditionally, NHL teams have announced their own draft picks, with Bettman operating in more of a master-of-ceremonies role. The shift, however, also arrives in tandem with the league’s move to a decentralized format in which teams will participate virtually from their home markets—just as NFL and NBA teams normally do for their drafts. 

For years, Bettman has been a magnet for fan boos at public events, such as the awarding of the Stanley Cup to the league champion. The NHL, however, is looking to place even more prominence on its draft following last year’s event held at the Sphere in Las Vegas

“The clubs asked for this,” Bettman said while attending a Kings game Saturday against the Utah Hockey Club. “I wasn’t looking for any more exposure. I have more than enough. But this is what the clubs told us they wanted, and we’re going to try it. And we’ll see after this year whether or not everybody likes it better.”

Selection Importance

The NHL’s effort bears some similarity to what MLB has done in recent years by holding its draft in conjunction with the league’s All-Star Game and raising production levels both on-site and on television. Baseball and hockey have the challenge of their prospects typically requiring some preparation in the minors before reaching major leagues. 

The accelerating success of the NFL Draft, however, shows the growing fan appetite for these events—particularly after that league drew a record 775,000 people last year to downtown Detroit and an average of 12.1 million more on TV for the first round.

“The prospects and our fans can expect a first-rate event with a new look and creative approach,” said NHL president of events and content Steve Mayer. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chicago Bears stadium rendering

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
Blake Bortles appears set to exit Jacksonville with a career 24-49 record.

Private Equity’s Sports Push Has Entered Overdrive

Athletes like Blake Bortles and Rob Gronkowski are diving into sports investing.

Packers-Cowboys Draws 26.9M Viewers, NFL’s No. 3 Game of ’25

The Packers-Cowboys clash was the NFL’s third-most-watched game of 2025.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Asks Court to Halt NFL Arbitration

The war between Flores’s lawyers and an NFL arbitrator has heated up.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Cathy Engelbert

WNBA Stars Ripped the Commissioner. Where Does the League Go From Here?

Engelbert is set to address the media at the Finals on Friday.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
September 30, 2025

NBA to Sell Franchises in Basketball Africa League

Suns rookie Khaman Maluach played in the BAL before going to Duke.
Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes reacts against the Golden State Valkyries during the first half at College Park Center
September 30, 2025

Wings Fire Coach After One Season, Opening Fifth WNBA Vacancy

Paige Bueckers will be getting a new head coach.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Napheesa Collier
September 30, 2025

Napheesa Collier Torches WNBA: ‘Worst Leadership in the World’

The Lynx star blasted commissioner Cathy Engelbert in her exit interview.
September 30, 2025

MLB’s Managerial Carousel Spins Early As MLB Playoffs Begin

The Giants, Rangers, and Twins fired their managers, with other moves expected.
September 30, 2025

Kirill Kaprizov’s Mega-Deal Signals New Era in NHL Spending

The NHL team raises its prior offer and closes the deal.
September 29, 2025

MLB National TV Ratings Rise by Double Digits in 2025

The league posts audience increases across national and local television.