Bettman clarifies stance on jersey ads: 'I'm in no rush to put advertising on our sweaters'

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league is considering using jersey ads during the 2016 World Cup, but that doesn't mean he wants to see ads on NHL jerseys.

Bettman addressed the topic - and others - during a press conference in Vancouver on Friday.

"I'm in no rush to put advertising on our sweaters," Bettman told reporters. "I like the history and tradition and the way they look. I've repeatedly said we wouldn't be the first and you'd probably have to bring me kicking and screaming."

Professional leagues in Europe already use jersey ads as a revenue source, but the practice has yet to be adopted by any major North American leagues. While jersey ads at a World Cup event would not be the same as seeing them on all 30 NHL teams, it would represent a step towards that eventuality.

Bettman also touched on expansion rumors, saying the possibility of Seattle receiving an expansion team rests on the uncertainty surrounding the city's new arena, which might not be built for some time. He also reiterated the league has no immediate plans to expand.

"Until Seattle gets a handle on its building situation, I'm not sure, other than listening to their expression of interests, there's much else to report," he said.

Bettman attempted to calm concerns that the plummeting Canadian dollar would take the salary cap with it, explaining that the current dollar value would lead to a cap just shy of $72 million as opposed to the $73 million estimate when the loonie was worth .88 USD - a negligible difference for most teams.