Gary Bruce Bettman is an American sports executive who serves as the commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association (NBA). Bettman is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law. Bettman was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
Bettman in November 2016
Bettman at the 2007 NHL Awards
Bettman in March 2023
Bettman (second-left foreground) with Governor Dannel Malloy and several NBC Sports Group executives, during a news conference to announce NBC's consolidation of operations in Connecticut.
The National Hockey League commissioner is the highest-ranking executive officer in the National Hockey League (NHL). The position was created in 1993; Gary Bettman was named the first commissioner and remains the only person to fill the position to date. Among other duties, the commissioner leads collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the league and appoints officials for all NHL games.
NHL commissioner
NHL president Red Dutton shown presenting the Calder Memorial Trophy to Gus Bodnar in 1944.
