World Cup of Hockey to Make Its Grand Return in 2028

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) have officially announced the highly anticipated return of the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028. This announcement has sparked excitement among hockey enthusiasts worldwide, marking the tournament's comeback after a long hiatus since 2016.

The World Cup of Hockey is set to be part of an ongoing cycle that alternates between the Winter Olympics and the World Cup every two years. The goal is to maintain a consistent international presence for NHL players while giving fans thrilling, high-stakes matchups on a global stage.

Tournament Structure and Expected Teams

While specific details are yet to be finalized, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has indicated that the 2028 tournament will feature "at least" eight participating nations. Unlike the 2016 edition, which included hybrid teams like Team Europe and Team North America (U-23 Young Stars), the upcoming event is expected to consist solely of national teams, ensuring a more traditional competition format.

Cities across North America and Europe will soon be invited to bid for hosting rights, making this a truly global event with potential international venues.

Russia's Participation Remains Uncertain

One of the biggest unanswered questions revolves around whether Russian players will be allowed to compete. Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation and Russia’s continued suspension from International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events through at least 2025-26, their involvement remains in limbo.

Marty Walsh, the executive director of the NHLPA, expressed his support for Russian players returning to international play, stating, “I would love to see our Russian players participate in these tournaments again. They’re incredible players. The issues are political; they’re not political as far as the NHLPA. It’s world politics that we have to navigate.”

The final decision will depend on geopolitical developments and international governing bodies' stance closer to the tournament date.

NHL Schedule Adjustments for the World Cup

To accommodate the World Cup, the NHL plans to pause the regular season during February 2028, but not for an extended period. Bettman clarified, “We're not taking a month off. We know how long the Olympic break is, so we have a sense of what we need to do.”

This suggests that while there will be a temporary break, the league will prioritize minimizing disruption to the regular season schedule, ensuring both international and league play remain balanced.

Additional Key Takeaways from the Announcement

Aside from the World Cup, the NHL addressed several other topics during the announcement:

Salary Cap Increases: The NHL confirmed planned salary cap increases for the next three seasons, but negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have yet to begin. The current CBA is set to expire in September 2026, and discussions will be critical for the league’s financial and operational future.

Bettman’s Future in the NHL: At 72 years old, Commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated that he has no immediate plans to retire. “I love what I do,” he stated. “At some point, nobody can do what they do forever… But I’m going to do it as long as I have the energy and passion and as long as the owners are pleased with the direction of the league.”

What’s Next for the World Cup of Hockey?

The next steps for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey include finalizing participating nations, confirming host cities, and structuring the format for the event. With an alternating cycle between the Olympics and the World Cup, fans can look forward to a more frequent showcase of NHL talent on the international stage.

Stay tuned for more updates as preparations for the 2028 World Cup continue to unfold!