Bettman on Olympics: NHL teams not interested in paying to disrupt season
The likelihood of the NHL travelling to Pyeongchang for the 2018 Winter Olympics continues to dwindle.
Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the issue Monday, saying the financial aspect is the biggest hurdle to overcome at this point.
"I'm sure our teams are not interested in paying for the privilege of disrupting our season," he said at his press conference ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Bettman said the IIHF and International Olympic Committee (IOC) would need to cover the costs, but there's been no "substantive discussions" between the parties.
Travelling to South Korea in February would cost millions when factoring in transportation, insurance, and accommodations.
Since 1998 in Nagano, Japan, NHLers have competed in the OIympics, but there was similar doubt regarding their participation in Sochi in 2014.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the NHL will make a decision by the end of 2016.
Daly - Olympics decision by the end of the calendar year.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 30, 2016
The league implemented the World Cup of Hockey, which could serve as the premier international tournament unless considerable ground is made up regarding the Olympics.