Latest news with #2026
New York Times
21 minutes ago
- Business
- New York Times
Exclusive: What's in the new NHL CBA? Digging into the memorandum of understanding
The NHL will introduce a playoff salary cap as part of the collective bargaining agreement extension it signed with the NHL Players' Association on Friday, league sources told The Athletic. The four-year extension, which must still be ratified in separate votes by the owners and players and won't go into effect until the 2026-27 season, calls for the creation of two rules to curb the use of the long-term injury exception to the salary cap in instances where an injured player returns for the playoffs. Advertisement The first will place limitations on the extra cap space a team will receive when a player goes on LTIR during the regular season. Teams will only be allowed to exceed the cap by an amount equal to the prior season's average salary — unless the NHL and NHLPA approve the full amount, which will only happen when there is no doubt the player will miss the entire remainder of the season, including the playoffs. The second will see a cap introduced during the playoffs that will apply only to the 20 players suiting up for each game. Teams will be able to shuffle their rosters between games. In the event the playoff cap has unintended consequences, the NHL and NHLPA have the right to reopen the agreement on this issue. Here are some of the other key points included in the CBA extension, based on a summary of the memorandum of understanding obtained by The Athletic. The NHL regular season will be increased from 82 to 84 games starting with the 2026-27 season. To accommodate this increase, training camp will be shortened from 21 days to 13 — 18 for rookies — with one day off during the first week. Each team will be limited to four exhibition games, and players with 100 or more career NHL games (including games dressed for goaltenders) will be capped at two exhibition games. The current idea is to start the regular season in late September and have the Stanley Cup awarded by June 21, according to league sources. The two extra games added in the regular season will be divisional games. The NHL's minimum salary will jump each season of the new agreement from its current level of $775,000. The new minimums will be as follows: Salary retention will still be allowed in trades, but with an interesting tweak: A second retention on the same contract can only happen 75 regular-season days after the first one, which nixes the use of a third-party broker in real time as has been seen in numerous instances at recent trade deadlines. Advertisement The players' playoff fund is set to take a significant jump from its current level of $24 million during the next CBA, with the league paying the entirety of the amounts off-share (i.e. it won't come out of shared hockey-releated revenue). The fund will grow as follows: Teams will no longer be allowed to implement a dress code for players. Instead, there will be a leaguewide dress code requiring only that players dress in a manner consistent with 'contemporary fashion norms.' Neck protection will become mandatory for all players entering the league starting with the 2026-27 season, with a minimum protection level of A5. Players with at least one NHL game will be grandfathered and will not be subject to the rule. Teams will be allowed to employ a permanent emergency backup goaltender who will travel with the club. The maximum term of contracts will be reduced by one year, with a contract capped at seven years if a player re-signs with his existing club before reaching free agency and six years if he signs with a new club. The existing agreement allowing players to participate in the Olympics will be extended to cover the 2030 Games in the French Alps. When a player seeks a second medical opinion and the second opinion doctor and team doctor disagree on diagnosis and/or treatment, the two doctors will now select a third doctor to help resolve the dispute. The team must give due consideration to the opinion of the third expert prior to determining the final course of treatment and must also pay the reasonable costs of the third doctor. The NHL and NHLPA will establish a retired players emergency healthcare and wellness fund. Advertisement The NHL will contribute $4 million annually to the fund. Players will no longer be prohibited from endorsing wine and spirits. Fitness testing will no longer be permitted during training camp or the regular season. A small change to NHL bye weeks: Waiver-exempt players who have played in at least 15 of their team's past 20 games before the beginning of a bye week will be entitled to the time off at NHL salary and benefit levels so long as they are not loaned to the minors prior to the team's fourth-to-last game before its break. The variability rules for front-loaded contracts will change as follows: Year-over-year increases will be limited to 20 percent of the first year, down from 25 percent. And the lowest year of the contract must be at least 71 percent of the highest year, up from 60 percent previously. For example, if the highest year's compensation is $10 million, the lowest year's compensation cannot be less than $7.1 million. And the year-to-year differences cannot exceed $2 million. The NHL is eliminating 'paper loans,' which occurred when players were assigned to the AHL on paper only and never had to report to the minor-league club. That practice reduced the players' compensation because they were paid at the AHL rate for the days that they were on loan. The CBA extension requires that a loaned player play in one minor league game before being recalled. There will be standardized retention periods for drafted players based on their age that no longer account for whether they are selected from the CHL, Europe or NCAA. For those selected at age 18, teams will retain their rights until the fourth June 1 after they were drafted. For players drafted at age 19 or above, teams will retain their rights until the third June 1 after they were drafted. Advertisement The only exception to these rules is for players in the NCAA at the time of expiration. Their rights will be extended until 30 days after notifying NHL they are no longer playing college hockey. In the current CBA, European players aged 25 to 27 are required to sign entry-level contracts. That will no longer be the case under the new rules. European players that age will now be treated the same as all other players. As previously reported, deferred payments in contracts will no longer be allowed. For example, the $2 million deferred bonus payment in John Tavares' new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs would no longer be allowed starting in 2026-27. But Tavares is fine, as his deal was signed under the existing rules. Same for other players who have already signed deferred payment contracts, such as the Anaheim Ducks' Frank Vatrano, the Maple Leafs' Jake McCabe, and the Carolina Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin. Among the wins for the players is the fact that owners will now completely cover payments for workers' compensation and employer payroll taxes. Under the proposed CBA, the $70 million annual cost will be completely removed from the players' share of revenues and become the responsibility of the owners. (Top photo of NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Motor 1
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The BMW M5 Wagon Is Already Getting More Expensive
BMW prices are supposed to increase next month, and that'll include the M5 sedan and wagon. A new report says the automaker will increase the price by $2,400, with the sedan now starting at $121,900 before the destination fee and gas guzzler tax. The wagon will cost $123,900. The $2,400 increase would equate to a 2.0 percent increase over 2025, according to Cars Direct . Add in the destination charge and gas guzzler fee, $1,175 and $2,600, respectively, and the 2026 M5 sedan will cost $125,675. The 2026 M5 Touring will have a starting price of $127,675. Photo by: BMW Shockingly, the M5 isn't getting BMW's most significant price increase. X5 M and X6 M Competition prices are reportedly increasing by $2,500 . Other models, like the Z4 , are seeing their prices jump by $1,000, but we hope it doesn't stifle demand, especially for the M5 Touring. Why M5 Touring Sales Matter The 2025 M5 Touring is the first time BMW has offered the performance wagon in the United States, and the automaker is weighing bringing the M3 Touring to America based on M5 sales. So far, demand has been exceeding expectations. Photo by: BMW Earlier this year, BMW revealed that it had to increase M5 production to meet demand , with the production output split 50-50 between the two body styles—something BMW did not expect. It had planned for the sedan to account for two-thirds of all M5 production, but buyers are flocking to the touring, even in the US. Late last month, BMW M boss Frank van Meel revealed in an interview that there was "a higher demand in the US for the Touring than for the sedan." Hopefully, it's enough to convince BMW to bring the M3 Touring here, which the company first suggested last year could happen . Here's More From BMW: BMW: 'The Combustion Engine Is Our Foundation' BMW Thinks the 'Timing Is Right' For Hydrogen. Is It Really? Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Cars Direct via Car Buzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Third-generation Nissan e-Power hybrid system promises EV-like driving
Nissan Bets on Simpler, Smoother Hybrid Tech Hybrids are ubiquitous, but none operate quite like those with Nissan's e-Power system, the third generation of which just debuted in the redesigned Qashqai crossover for the European market, but is expected to reach the United States in 2026 in the next-generation Rogue. While most automakers opt for a parallel hybrid system that allows both an internal-combustion engine and electric motors to directly power the wheels, e-Power is a series hybrid system, in which the combustion engine acts purely as a generator, with electricity providing all of the motive power. That means instant response to throttle inputs, as in an EV, and is mechanically simpler than other hybrid systems, Nissan notes. Numerous Improvements A key update for the third-generation e-Power system is the integration of an electric motor, generator, inverter, and a reduction gear into a single unit that's more compact and lighter than the previous packaging, Nissan said in a press release. Battery capacity is unchanged from the previous Qashqai hybrid, at 2.1 kilowatt-hours. The new Qashqai hybrid also retains a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but Nissan made a few changes to boost efficiency, power, and refinement. Thermal efficiency has improved to 42%, meaning more of the fuel volume actually gets translated into energy for turning the wheels. Low-speed performance in particular has been approved, according to Nissan, while a larger turbo lets the engine operate 200 rpm lower at highway speeds, reducing noise (overall cabin noise is down to 56 decibels, Nissan claims). The automaker says these changes make the previous engine's variable-compression-ratio tech redundant. Nissan estimates 62 mpg on the European WLTP testing cycle, which is generally more optimistic than the U.S. EPA testing cycle. Output improves by about 15 horsepower, to 202 hp. That's about the same as the 201 hp rating of the U.S.-spec 2025 Nissan Rogue, which uses a variable-compression turbo-three engine without a hybrid system. Expect To See e-Power In The U.S. Soon Source: Nissan Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Built in the United Kingdom, the redesigned Qashqai is scheduled to reach European markets in September 2025. It's not likely to reach the U.S., but Nissan confirmed last year that it planned to launch e-Power in the U.S. and Canada by the end of fiscal year 2026. Earlier this year, the automaker said the Rogue would get the third-generation e-Power system, along with the Qashqai and a minivan. While the Rogue could use a hybrid option, as most of its U.S.-market rivals already offer one, e-Power still comes with some questions. Series hybrids have struggled with efficiency and vibration issues at the steady-state highway speeds that are common in the U.S. That's why other automakers have avoided this tech (Honda's two-motor hybrid system comes close, but still allows the engine to directly drive the wheels in certain situations) and why Nissan has hesitated to bring e-Power to the U.S. Nissan launched the first-generation e-Power system in Japan in 2016, on the Note hatchback. As of last October, it claimed to save sold more than 1.5 million vehicles with the system, and that it was available in 68 markets. It's been promising U.S. sales for most of that span, even announcing plans to make e-Power the default powertrain tech for its Infiniti luxury brand. But those plans were canceled in 2021. Rogue Plug-In Hybrid Too 2025 Nissan Rogue — Source: Nissan Nissan's technical skills and tenacity shouldn't be underestimated, however. It made variable-compression engines work even after other automakers had given up on the concept, after all. And Nissan likely has a backup plan for the Rogue as well. Car and Driver reported last October that a Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid would likely arrive for the 2026 model year, borrowing tech from its Mitsubishi Outlander platform-mate. The plug-in hybrid is expected to be sold alongside the Rogue e-Power hybrid, helping the Rogue achieve parity with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4, which all offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
New York Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Nate Morris, Wealthy Business Executive, Enters Senate Race in Kentucky
A wealthy Kentucky business executive on Thursday entered the race to succeed Mitch McConnell in the United States Senate, casting himself as the only political outsider in the field and an unwaveringly loyal supporter of President Trump. The executive, Nate Morris, announced his candidacy on a podcast hosted by the president's son Donald Trump Jr. The race is expected to be among the biggest and most expensive Republican primary battles of 2026. While he is not as well known as two other Republican candidates — Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky, and Daniel Cameron, a former state attorney general — Mr. Morris can use the wealth he accumulated as a founder of a successful waste and recycling company to quickly introduce himself to voters. 'You've got two McConnellites that owe everything to Mitch McConnell versus the outside business guy that's running as the MAGA candidate,' Mr. Morris said in an episode of 'Triggered,' the podcast hosted by the president's son, that was released on Thursday. 'I think that contrast is going to be very, very striking to Kentuckians all over the state because they've had enough. They've had enough of Mitch.' Mr. Morris, Mr. Barr and Mr. Cameron are competing for support among Republican primary voters who have soured on Mr. McConnell, 83, a political titan in Kentucky who announced this year that he would not seek re-election after serving for more than 40 years in the Senate. They are also jockeying for the president's coveted endorsement in a state that Mr. Trump won by 30 percentage points in 2024. On the Democratic side, State Representative Pamela Stevenson, an Air Force veteran and the minority leader of the Kentucky House, is also running for Mr. McConnell's seat. She is expected to be a major underdog in the deep-red state. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL, NHLPA reach agreement on new labor deal: Reported details
The NHL and NHL Players' Association announced that they have to agreed a new four-year collective-bargaining agreement on June 27. It will take effect after the current one expires in September 2026 and run through 2030. The memorandum of understanding still needs to be ratified by the owners and the players. Advertisement "We can all look forward to at least five years more of labor peace," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who didn't reveal details out of respect for the ratification process. According to multiple reports, however, the length of the regular season will increase and there will be changes to the maximum length of player contracts and the establishment of a postseason salary cap. The two sides previously announced a significant jump in the the salary cap over the next three seasons. Here are the key details of the collective bargaining agreement, per reports, and what it means: 84-game regular season It's currently at 82 games and will change with the 2026-27 season. This will allow teams to play every team within their division an even number of games. Under the current setup, teams play four games against division opponents and three games against others. Advertisement To account for the increased number of regular-season games, the league would cut the number of preseason games by two. Veteran players aren't fond of preseason games and there have injuries during those, including to Los Angeles Kings defenseman Rob Blake in 2024. One-year cut in contract lengths The current maximum length is eight years for re-signing and seven years for signing with a new team. Those numbers will drop to seven and six. This is a further change from the earlier days when teams offered contracts in the double-digit lengths with a big portion up front and less at the end to lower the overall salary cap hit. Playoff salary cap Currently, there is no salary cap in the playoffs, just in the regular season. Teams were able to put players on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and exceed the salary cap by the amount of their salaries. For example, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov missed the entire 2020-01 season after offseason hip surgery but returned for the playoffs and helped the Lightning win a second consecutive Stanley Cup title. Tampa Bay used the LTIR exception to add to their roster during the season. A postseason salary cap would close off that loophole. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL, NHLPA agree to new CBA. Here are details, per reports
