NHL and NHLPA launch international bidding for 2028 World Cup of Hockey host cities

The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) officially began the host city process for the World Cup of Hockey 2028, a significant milestone toward the return of the storied international competition. Set for February 2028, the eagerly awaited event will feature the world's best hockey players competing in two international host cities. Tournament return—previously hosted in 2016—marks the NHL's revamp of international hockey on the world stage. With expressions of interest now launched, cities from North America, Europe, and the rest of the globe have a chance to submit their bid for hosting one of the sport's most prestigious competitions. The 2028 World Cup of Hockey will feature eight national teams playing in a 17-game schedule over 12 days. The format, as proposed by the NHL and NHLPA, features round-robin and quarterfinal play divided between two cities, with semifinals and the final slated for one of them, pending final determination.This will be the fourth installment of the event, following previous versions in 1996, 2004, and 2016, each of which generated strong viewership and fan interest. The 2028 version rides on the recent success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, which was Sports Business Journal's Event of the Year and broke attendance, media, and social media records. Those cities interested in staging the 2028 version must file an Expression of Interest (EOI) by July 18, 2025, if bidding for North America or July 30, 2025, if bidding internationally. The NHL and NHLPA make it clear that aside from general logistical capabilities, a strong vision for staging—cultural impact as well as fan interaction—will be instrumental in moving forward in the process. The host city selection process will be managed by Playfly Sports, an organization with extensive international sports marketing and event management expertise. Cities that pass the initial round of EOI will move to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process starting in August 2025. Final host cities are likely to be announced during the first quarter of 2026. Also read: NHL trade rumor: An insider sparks buzz around Joseph Woll as Toronto Maple Leafs eye center fixAs cities everywhere get set to bid on hosting the right off the ice, the World Cup of Hockey 2028 is not only assuring world-class action but also the possibility of cultural exchange, economic boom, and fan-powered experiences. The process of selection for the NHL and NHLPA will be more than mere logistics—it will be selecting destinations that can provide a celebration of the game on a worldwide level.