The topic of state taxes in specific NHL markets has recently gained attention. This discussion was particularly fueled after `NHL on TNT` analyst Paul Bissonnette raised the point about Florida Panthers players benefiting from no state income tax. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed this during the network`s broadcast on Monday, labeling the issue as “ridiculous”.
“When the Florida teams were struggling, which was for around 17 years, no one brought this up,” Bettman stated before Game 3. He questioned whether players prioritize tax implications, suggesting instead that their focus is on joining a strong organization in a desirable location where they feel comfortable raising their families. Key factors include playing in a modern arena with excellent training facilities and having confidence in the owner, management, and coaching staff.
Bettman further elaborated, noting that some NHL cities, such as Los Angeles and New York City, have significantly high state taxes.
He emphasized that having skilled teammates and a realistic chance at winning are primary motivators for players. While acknowledging taxes *could* be a minor consideration if all other factors were identical, he asserted this is rarely the case. He posed the rhetorical question: “By the way, state taxes high in Los Angeles, high in New York. What are we going to do, subsidize those teams?”
The recent success of teams in the NHL`s “Sun Belt” region appears to be the catalyst for this debate among fans and commentators. The Florida Panthers are currently in their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, following a championship win last season. Similarly, the Tampa Bay Lightning reached three straight Stanley Cup Finals from 2020 to 2022, clinching the Cup in both 2020 and 2021.
Despite Florida`s impressive run, it`s not the only state without income tax in the league. The Dallas Stars, for instance, also play in a state with no income tax but haven`t won the Stanley Cup since 1998-99 and have been eliminated in the Western Conference Final for the past three seasons, illustrating that tax advantages alone do not guarantee ultimate success.
