TORONTO (Reuters) - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said on Wednesday that tensions between Canada and the United States were concerning and could impact the league's business, especially if the Canadian dollar takes a hit from weak economic growth.

Bettman, speaking to reporters in Toronto after the NHL and Canadian telecom company Rogers Communications announced a 12-year national media rights deal worth C$11 billion ($7.68 billion), was asked to touch upon the trade actions by the U.S.

"I don't think people want us to do that. I think they want to use sports and our sport as an escape," said Bettman. "I hope that what we're seeing is a moment in time and things can get back to a normal reality."

U.S. President Donald Trump, since returning to the White House in January, has announced and delayed tariffs on Canada.

Canada relies on the United States for 75% of its exports and a third of all imports. Its dependency on trade for economic growth leaves Canada vulnerable to a protracted trade war.

Canada's NHL teams also earn most of their revenue in Canadian dollars but pay players in U.S. dollars, which means a drop in the Canadian dollar relative to its American counterpart could cause the league difficulties.

"I have concerns from a business standpoint for the league that if the Canadian economy suffers by what's going on, that will impact the way we have to do business," said Bettman.

Rogers Communications CEO Tony Staffieri said the state of relations between Canada and the United States did not really impact the deal with the NHL and added that he was hopeful the turbulent times between the two countries will pass.

"These two countries have had a great cooperation and relationship for a very long time, and I'm optimistic that we'll get through these tariff issues," said Staffieri.

($1 = 1.4327 Canadian dollars)