What's Happening?
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have initiated the formal request for proposal (RFP) phase to select host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This phase follows a successful Expression of Interest phase and involves 25 cities from North America and Europe. Workshops are scheduled in Toronto and Zurich to guide cities on the event's vision and requirements. The tournament, set for February 2028, will feature eight nations competing in round-robin and elimination games across two host cities, with semifinals and the championship game in one city. The event aims to deliver significant cultural and economic impacts.
Why It's Important?
The World Cup of Hockey 2028 represents a major international sporting event, offering substantial economic and cultural benefits to the host cities. The tournament is expected to attract global audiences, enhancing tourism and local business opportunities. It also provides a platform for cities to showcase their capabilities in hosting large-scale international events. The selection process is competitive, with cities vying for the prestige and economic boost associated with hosting such a high-profile tournament. The event will also contribute to the global promotion of hockey, potentially increasing the sport's popularity and participation rates.
What's Next?
The NHL and NHLPA will review the submissions from interested cities, with final selections expected in the first quarter of 2026. The chosen cities will then prepare to host the tournament, which includes organizing games and ancillary events. The process will involve collaboration with Playfly Sports, a company experienced in managing major international events. As the selection process unfolds, cities will likely engage in promotional activities to strengthen their bids and demonstrate their readiness to host the tournament.
