In this episode of On Stage, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins Sports Business Journal senior writer Joe Lemire for a forward-looking conversation that took place on March 5, 2025, at SBJ’s Tech Week. 

Bettman—recently nominated for SBJ’s Executive of the Year award—shares how the NHL is modernizing its business and leaning into technology to shape the league’s next era. In a conversation spanning strategy, innovation, and tradition, Bettman discusses: 

Revenue Growth & Fan Engagement: How the league is tracking toward $7 billion in projected revenue and what’s driving hockey’s expanding global reach. 

Technology & Data Innovation: The evolution of puck and player tracking, and how data is transforming coaching, broadcasting, and fan experience. 

Media & Streaming Strategy: Bettman’s take on digital consumption, partnerships, and balancing national exposure with local market access. 

Future of the Draft: His thoughts on the NHL Draft and how it’s going to be evolving moving forward. 

Leadership & Legacy: Reflections on his 30+ year tenure and how he continues to evolve the NHL for the modern fan. 

It’s a wide-ranging, insightful conversation with one of the most enduring and effective leaders in sports.