In an announcement on Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman revealed plans to host the NHL Draft 2024 at The Sphere.
The groundbreaking venue opened its doors in September, setting the stage for mesmerizing events. Vegas and The Sphere boasts the claim of being the world’s largest spherical structure
While contracts are yet to be finalized, Bettman expressed the league’s enthusiasm for the potential of the draft at The Sphere. “I think it’ll be a pretty well-viewed event, both in terms of the draft itself and the viral use of The Sphere inside and outside using the globe. So we think it’ll be fun. We think it’ll be dramatic and compelling,” he remarked. The statement followed the conclusion of the Board of Governors’ two-day meetings in the Vegas.
It's official.
The 2024 NHL Draft will be held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, June 28-29. pic.twitter.com/GGcppuuKx7
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 5, 2024
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The choice of draft location is important as the NHL prepares for a shift to a decentralized model. The decentralised model will see teams eventually conducting drafts from their home markets.
The upcoming event in Las Vegas adds a layer of excitement, marking a departure from traditional draft settings.
In addition to the draft venue revelation, the league announced a salary cap increase to $87.7 million for the 2024-25 season.
Plans are underway for a mini-international tournament in February 2025 as a lead-in to the 2026 Olympics. The mini-International Tournament will feature four main hockey countries. However, challenges persist in negotiations between the NHL, IIHF, and the IOC regarding player participation in the upcoming Olympics.
Bettman voiced specific concerns about the timely completion of the hockey arena for the Olympics. As discussions unfold, the hockey world awaits a resolution that will pave the way for players to showcase their talents on the global stage in 2026.
The 2024 NHL draft at The Sphere promises to be a landmark event. It promises the excitement of player selections with the innovative backdrop.
