The World Cup of Hockey is set to make its grand return, starting in February 2028, as announced by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh. This significant development marks an essential milestone in the world of international ice hockey, signaling a renewed commitment to showcasing the sport on an international stage. Both Bettman and Walsh underscored their determination to facilitate NHL players’ participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, reinstating a rhythm of high-caliber international tournaments every two years.
This decision comes after a long hiatus for NHL players, who last competed in the Olympics in 2014 and saw the World Cup last held in 2016. Since then, player advocacy for the chance to represent their countries during their peak career years has intensified, especially from prominent figures like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Bettman expressed palpable excitement regarding the forthcoming international competitions, framing events such as the recent 4 Nations Face-Off—which featured teams from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden—as previews of what’s to come. He described the upcoming World Cup as a “sensational” opportunity to showcase the best talent the game has to offer.
As the NHL prepares for the 2028 World Cup, plans are underway to gather bids for potential host cities. Bettman also hinted at welcoming proposals from European cities, increasing the tournament’s international appeal and accessibility. While the exact format remains to be confirmed, the expectation is that at least eight countries will participate. Notably, Bettman clarified that team compositions would strictly feature players from single nations, contrasting with the previous iteration of the tournament that had “melded teams” such as Team Europe and a U-23 Team North America.
A decisive factor in this event’s structure will be the exclusion of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in organizing the tournament. This pivot implies that only NHL players will participate, and federations from various nations won’t have the privilege of selecting players from European leagues. Consequently, this raises a significant question about Russia’s participation, given the country’s recent exclusion from international sports due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The broader implications of geopolitical issues are amplified when discussing the potential for Russian players to compete. The IIHF’s ban on Russia, instated following the invasion of Ukraine, has been perpetuated through 2025-26 due to security considerations. Consequently, this decision affected not only the World Cup but also the 4 Nations Face-Off, excluding a number of high-profile players like Alex Ovechkin and Kirill Kaprizov. Walsh articulated a desire for Russian players to resume participation, reflecting their passion for the sport and competition, yet acknowledged the political realities that complicate their involvement.
He underscored the importance of navigating these complex socio-political waters, hoping for a gradual return of Russian athletes as international competitions resume. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also emphasized that the NHL would continue to align its stance with other international governing bodies regarding Russia’s involvement. His remarks indicated that a significant shift in the current geopolitical landscape would be necessary for Russia to rejoin widely-recognized international hockey events.
The announcement of the World Cup aligns closely with the evolving relationship between the NHL and NHLPA, which is set to enter a new phase of negotiations as the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) approaches its expiration in September 2026. Bettman projected a sense of optimism regarding these discussions, indicating that there are no significant hurdles anticipated in finalizing a new CBA, with possible announcements occurring as early as the summer of 2024.
Walsh reinforced the collaborative nature of these international endeavors, highlighting that partnerships between the league and the players’ association pave the way for executing initiatives that enrich the sport. The synergy observed in this relationship marks a shift toward a more unified vision for the future of hockey, embracing opportunities for international engagement and expressing shared goals for the sport.
The return of the World Cup of Hockey, along with NHL players’ involvement in the Olympics, heralds a new chapter for international hockey. This innovative approach promises to rekindle fans’ passion for the game while providing players with a platform to showcase their talents globally. As political and geopolitical dynamics continue to influence the landscape, navigating these complexities will be crucial for the NHL and its stakeholders. The excitement surrounding these developments underscores a collective eagerness for a vibrant future for international hockey, characterized by fierce competition and a renewed sense of unity among nations.