NHL confirms no plans for European expansion despite partnership with Bayern Munich
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 7:30 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
The NHL announced on August 20, 2026, its partnership with Bayern Munich, committing to regular-season games in Germany over the next three seasons. NHL president of business Keith Wachtel emphasized that the league is focused on growing hockey rather than expanding the league into Europe. Wachtel noted that Germany, with rising interest and talent, is a key market for investment. Although discussions about future NHL operations in Europe exist, no plans to establish teams there are currently underway. The NHL has also implemented European-friendly start times in its schedule this season.
- •NHL teams will play regular-season games in Germany for three years.
- •Keith Wachtel states no current plans for NHL teams in Europe.
- •Germany identified as a key market for hockey development.
- •European time zone-friendly start times are implemented this season.
- •German hockey has seen significant growth with emerging talents.
- 7:30 PMYahoo Sports — No, the NHL is not expanding to Europe — at least for now
"Many believe European expansion is on the horizon for the NHL. That's not in the plans right now.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Oct 16, 2026, 1:50 PMUtah Mammoth vs Edmonton Oilers
NHL•Oct 16, 2026, 8:13 AMMammoth Show They Can Beat Anyone in the NHL, Beat Oilers 4-2
NHL•Oct 15, 2026, 5:55 AMOilers Have a Problem That Bouchard’s Historic Start Cannot Hide
NHL•Oct 15, 2026, 5:20 AMConnor McDavid Shares Blunt Mike Babcock Assessment
NHL•Oct 15, 2026, 4:41 AMOilers’ Vasily Podkolzin On Fire, Makes Canucks Trade Look Baffling
NHL•Oct 14, 2026, 2:49 PMNHL Power Rankings: Oilers fly out of the starting gates behind Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard