NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Reveals He's a Fan of LGBTQ+ Hockey Show 'Heated Rivalry'
Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the National Hockey League, has added a surprising title to his watchlist. The 73-year-old league head confessed that he binge-watched the popular sports drama "Heated Rivalry" and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bettman's Unexpected Viewing Habit
In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Bettman revealed his unexpected viewing habits. He called the first season of "Heated Rivalry" wonderful. The show has already become a cultural phenomenon with its LGBTQ+ hockey storyline.
Bettman found the series very compelling. He acknowledged that some content was a little spicy but believed it could appeal to younger viewers. The commissioner appreciated how the show referenced real NHL events.
"I thought the storyline was very compelling. And a lot of fun, because I could see where they were picking at things we had done in the past, whether it was being in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa. It was very well done," Bettman shared during the interview.
The Show's Impact on Hockey Culture
"Heated Rivalry" centers around fictional hockey players Ilya Rozanov of the Boston Raiders and Shane Hollander of the Montreal Metros. Despite being a work of fiction, the show's depiction of queer NHL players has resonated deeply within the hockey community.
The series has inspired real-world impact. Former professional hockey player Jesse Korteum recently came out as gay. He credited the show with helping him build the courage to make his announcement.
Bettman confirmed the show's significance in increasing hockey's cultural relevance. He pointed out that "Heated Rivalry" has sparked interest in the 2025-26 NHL season, particularly among younger audiences.
NHL's Controversial Decision on Pride Nights
While the NHL receives praise for "Heated Rivalry," the organization continues to face criticism. Many have questioned the league's decision to stop hosting Pride nights and using specialized Pride-themed jerseys.
Bettman explained that this decision was not about excluding the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized that the issue was broader than just Pride jerseys.
"It wasn't about Pride jerseys or Pride night; it was about bringing things into the game that might not be embraced by the players wearing the jerseys," Bettman clarified.
The commissioner elaborated that this policy applies to various causes. It includes heritage nights, political causes, and situations involving international conflicts. Bettman believes these elements can become distractions when players don't personally embrace the causes.
"It was becoming a distraction, not just for the Pride jerseys, but for a variety of other things. It's a misrepresentation to suggest it was about Pride jerseys; it was about the whole issue of what you put on the ice," Bettman stated.
He reiterated the league's ongoing commitment to supporting important causes through other means. Bettman emphasized that the NHL remains dedicated to performing good deeds and promoting inclusivity.
