MONTREAL — The highly anticipated World Cup of Hockey is set to make its comeback in 2028, aiming to enhance the regular rhythm of international hockey competitions featuring elite players from around the globe every two years. This significant development comes from the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association, who announced plans to hold the tournament in February, aligning it with the timeframe of the Olympics. They have already secured agreements to participate in the Olympic Games scheduled for Milan in 2026 and in the French Alps in 2030.
Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his enthusiasm about solidifying a routine for international showcases such as the Olympics and World Cups, emphasizing the excitement about having the world’s top hockey talents represent their countries consistently. As he kicked off the 4 Nations Face-Off event, he described the full-scale World Cup as a tantalizing prospect that should captivate fans around the world.
The 4 Nations tournament faced alterations and delays due to uncertainties surrounding the participation of Russian players amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and similar concerns loom over the World Cup. NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh echoed the sentiment, expressing a keen desire to see Russian athletes in competition again. He acknowledged that political issues are influencing the situation but remains optimistic that as the scheduled games approach, Russian players will be able to participate.
Bettman reassured that ample time exists to evaluate the involvement of Russian players, highlighting that any decision would hinge on the rulings from the International Olympic Committee for the Milan Games. He clarified that the World Cup is primarily organized by the NHL and the players’ union, independent of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Bettman stated that the tournament would feature nations competing individually rather than combined teams, with plans for a minimum of eight participating teams.
A bidding process is on the horizon to determine the host locations for the games, including potential venues in Europe. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly suggested that the model established by the Olympics could provide a beneficial reference for how to adjust the regular season schedule to accommodate the World Cup.
Canadian captain Sidney Crosby weighed in on the news, expressing relief and excitement about having some certainty regarding the involvement of NHL players in upcoming international competitions, highlighting the disappointment of their absence from the last two Olympic events. He believes that establishing a certain schedule will be beneficial for both players and fans eager to watch the best talents compete on the ice.
Marty Walsh dismissed any lingering concerns regarding potential obstacles for the Olympic participation agreement, emphasizing that the deal is well on its way. He confirmed that while the agreement is still in the works, there are no significant barriers preventing its finalization.
The organization of the World Cup, coming on the heels of a new salary cap agreement for the upcoming three seasons, signifies a substantial collaborative effort between the NHL and the players’ association. Bettman noted that the state of their collective bargaining relationship is strong, and he remains optimistic that they will navigate any issues effectively as they move toward future negotiations.
