NHL and NHLPA Announce International Growth Strategy in Germany

The National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League have announced a joint long-term international growth strategy to deepen the NHL’s presence in Germany.

Key components of the plan include strategic investment in growing the game through grassroots, content and other fan engagement initiatives across Germany, forging new business partnerships and a commitment to bringing more NHL regular season games to the country. The strategy will begin with the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany, a pair of games between the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf on December 18 and December 20, 2026.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, NHLPA Senior Director of International Strategy & Growth Rob Zepp, NHL Business President Keith Wachtel and Düsseldorf Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller and others made the announcement at a news conference in Düsseldorf last week.

“Our deepened commitment to Germany as an important hockey country marks a critical next chapter for the NHL,” said Daly. “By further investing in one of Europe’s most dynamic sports markets – both through the execution of major events and the development and implementation of grassroots initiatives – we intend to strengthen our presence and build stronger connections with German fans, partners and local communities. In prioritizing our efforts here, we hope to accelerate hockey’s growth across the region, creating meaningful impact from the ground up.”

The upcoming games represent a significant milestone in the NHL’s expanding global footprint. The games will mark the second and third ever NHL regular-season games played in Germany, and the first since 2011 when the Buffalo Sabres faced the Los Angeles Kings at O2 World in Berlin.

Germany will also host games in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons, with matchups to be determined at a later date. This year marks the fifth consecutive season in which the league will have held games in Europe.

Germany, led by 2019-20 NHL MVP Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan last month.

Partnership Expansion Plans

The League’s investment in Germany is intended to reach well beyond the ice too.

This weekend marked the debut of Hockey Day in Germany, a program designed to celebrate and engage new and existing fans through a series of hockey-centric activities. These include interactive experiences at the NHL Global Fan Tour, an appearance by the Stanley Cup, e‑gaming competitions and a live viewing event for the NHL Saturday presented by Fastenal broadcast featuring the Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators.

Germany will become the third of four markets to host an NHL Hockey Day event this season. It follows recent events in Sweden and Czechia, while there will also be a Hockey Day in Finland scheduled for March 27–28.

In order to support long-term hockey development and participation throughout Europe, the NHL will continue to grow grassroots programs and community engagement efforts, such as NHL Street Hockey, which will provide a clear pathway for interested school students into entry-level hockey programs in their cities.

By the end of the 2025-26 season, NHL Street Hockey will be operating in seven countries outside of North America, including Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Australia, the UK, China and Germany, with an estimated 30,000-plus students participating across the markets throughout the season.

After opening its first European office in Zurich last summer, the NHL is expanding its media rights deals with partners around the world, including properties such as the 4 Nations Face-Off and the upcoming World Cup of Hockey 2028. The latter tournament will be played at two unconfirmed venues: one in North America and one in Europe.

Further Reaction

“Having previously played in Germany and now getting to return in my current role is a full circle moment for me,” said Zepp. “We have strategic plans to grow and build upon the existing hockey ecosystem through grassroots initiatives, creative collaborations, business opportunities and building stronger relationships between NHL players and German fans. Ultimately, this work will help further the game of hockey in Germany.”

“The announcement of the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany is the next milestone for Düsseldorf as a hockey location,” said Dr. Keller. “Following the international ice hockey game in May 2025 and the Deutschland Cup in November 2026, as well as the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2027 and NHL Hockey Day in Germany this weekend, this is the next highlight.

“We look forward to welcoming the top stars from North America to the PSD BANK DOME and to welcoming numerous fans, whom we, together with the NHL, are sure to provide with unforgettable moments.”

“We warmly welcome the NHL’s interest in the German market,” said Frank Lutz, chairman of the board of the German Ice Hockey Federation. “The NHL and the NHLPA are outstanding partners in the global growth of our sport, and Germany has developed into one of the most exciting hockey markets in Europe. Events like the Hockey Days or the Global Series Games have tremendous impact and visibility.

“We are fully committed to strengthening this partnership going forward, from high-profile events to community programs and development opportunities for young players. Our shared ambition is to inspire fans across the country and ensure that hockey in Germany continues to flourish.”