Following the success of the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-off, the NHL seems to be reconsidering plans for the 2026 All-Star Game, which the New York Islanders are supposed to host.
Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke at GM Meetings on Wednesday and said the league now is not committed to UBS Arena holding the event.
"Gary Bettman confirms the NHL isn't committed to holding the 2026 All-Star Game. Ongoing discussions about where things go. He says the 4 Nations Face-Off "raised the bar." -- Chris Johnston
Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) on X
Gary Bettman confirms the NHL isn't committed to holding the 2026 All-Star Game. Ongoing discussions about where things go. He says the 4 Nations Face-Off "raised the bar."
The Islanders were announced to be holding the event in Feb. 2024 as a precursor to the NHL’s return to the Winter Olympics.
Bettman has previously gone on record stating that UBS Arena was a candidate to host either an All-Star Game or NHL Draft. Although the Draft is currently in decentralized locations, Bettman said he’s not a fan of the new format, putting arena hosting back in play for the event.
It doesn't sound like the league wants to take the event away from the Islanders, but they must find a way to make it a better event.
The NHL will begin negotiations on a new CBA in the first week of April, with a decision on the All-Star Game potentially not far behind.
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Matthew Page wrote this story.