NHL & NHLPA Advance Host City Selection for 2028 World Cup of Hockey
NEW YORK / TORONTO – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have initiated the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase in the process of selecting host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This follows a highly accomplished Expression of Interest (EOI) period launched in June, which garnered responses from 25 cities across North America and Europe.
The RFP stage includes dedicated workshops for candidate cities. North American contenders will participate in a workshop in Toronto on September 17-18,while European cities will convene in Zurich,Switzerland on September 22-23. These sessions will outline the event’s vision, requirements, and provide a forum for cities to clarify details as they prepare their proposals.
The NHL and NHLPA will thoroughly evaluate all submissions,with final host city announcements anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.
The 2028 World Cup of Hockey, an eight-nation tournament scheduled for February, is planned as a 12-day event featuring 17 games. The tournament format will include round-robin and elimination play across two host cities, with the semifinals and championship game likely to be held in a single host city.
This event builds on the success of the recently concluded 4 Nations Face-Off, recognized by Sports business Journal as Event of the Year. The 4 Nations Face-Off demonstrated significant economic benefits for its host cities, attracted international fans, and achieved record viewership and social media engagement. The World Cup of Hockey 2028 aims to replicate this impact, offering host cities a platform for cultural and economic growth alongside a globally televised celebration of elite hockey.
Playfly Sports, a leading sports marketing and media company specializing in major international events, is administering the RFP process.
