NHL to Play Regular Season Games in Germany: Düsseldorf Prioritized

Düsseldorf, Germany – In a significant expansion of its international presence, the National Hockey League (NHL) is set to bring regular season games to Germany, beginning with the 2026-2027 season. The move, following similar initiatives by the NFL and NBA, aims to cultivate a growing fanbase in Europe and showcase the sport to a new audience.

According to reports from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Düsseldorf is currently prioritized as the primary host city for these games. While the NHL has yet to officially comment, deferring to a planned press conference next week in the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital, the league’s commitment to European investment is evident. A “Hockey Day in Germany” is already scheduled for March 13th and 14th in Düsseldorf, designed to “bring the country together under the banner of ice hockey in all its facets.”

This isn’t the first foray into Germany for professional North American sports leagues. The NFL has held several regular season games in Germany, including contests in Munich, demonstrating the country’s growing appetite for American football. Most recently, the NFL announced it will return to Munich in both 2026 and 2028, playing regular season games at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium. Germany boasts over 20 million NFL fans, making it the largest fanbase in Europe. The NBA also made a splash in January, hosting games in Berlin featuring brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, who defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111.

The NHL itself has a prior connection to the German market. Back in October 2011, the Los Angeles Kings and Buffalo Sabres opened the NHL season with games in Berlin, featuring then-German national team player Christian Ehrhoff. This upcoming initiative, however, represents a more sustained and regular commitment to playing games on European soil.

The expansion into Germany aligns with a broader trend of major American sports leagues seeking to expand their reach beyond North America. These leagues are increasingly utilizing games played in international markets as a key marketing tool, tapping into new revenue streams and building brand loyalty among a global audience. The NFL, NBA and now the NHL are all actively investing in growing their international footprint.

The decision to prioritize Düsseldorf as the initial host city likely stems from a combination of factors, including the city’s existing infrastructure, its passionate sports fanbase, and its central location within Germany. The “Hockey Day in Germany” event suggests a broader strategy to develop grassroots hockey participation and engagement within the country, potentially creating a pipeline of future talent and fans.

While the NHL has not yet released a detailed schedule or list of participating teams, the announcement has already generated considerable excitement among German hockey fans. The prospect of seeing NHL stars compete live in Germany is a significant draw, and the league is hoping to capitalize on this enthusiasm to establish a strong and lasting presence in the European market.

The move also comes as the NHL continues to explore ways to grow the game globally. The league is actively working to increase its international scouting efforts and develop programs to support the growth of hockey in non-traditional markets. Bringing regular season games to Germany is a natural extension of these efforts, providing a platform to showcase the sport to a wider audience and inspire the next generation of European hockey players.

For fans in Germany, this announcement represents a unique opportunity to experience the high-octane action of the NHL firsthand. The games are expected to draw significant crowds and generate substantial economic benefits for the host city. The NHL’s arrival in Germany is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport worldwide and the league’s commitment to expanding its global reach.

The upcoming press conference in Düsseldorf is expected to provide further details on the NHL’s plans for Germany, including the schedule of games, participating teams, and any associated fan events. Archysport will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

What’s next? The NHL press conference next week in Düsseldorf will be the key event to watch for a detailed schedule and participating teams. Fans can also appear forward to “Hockey Day in Germany” on March 13th and 14th for a preview of the league’s commitment to the country.