NHL Officials Express Concerns Over Arena Delays Ahead of 2026 Milan Olympics
MILAN/CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Less than three months before the start of the Olympic hockey tournament, serious concerns are mounting regarding the readiness of the arena intended to host the event in Milan, Italy. The delays are causing significant worry among National Hockey League (NHL) management, led by Commissioner Gary Bettman, and the players’ union.The competition is currently scheduled to run from February 11 to 22, 2026.
The uncertainty stems from significant delays in the construction of the Milan arena. This situation is particularly troubling as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) currently has no alternative plan in place should the venue not be completed on time. The potential disruption casts a shadow over the participation of NHL players in the Games, a key element of Olympic hockey’s appeal.
According to hockey analyst Renaud Lavoie, speaking wednesday on TVA Sports, the level of concern is “high.” “What we are told in the media is that the level of concern is high. […] I’m not going to use the word scared, because that might be a little too strong, but we are extremely worried about the situation. The amphitheater in Milan is not ready at all. We think it could be in January,” Lavoie reported, citing facts from the IOC.
Lavoie further explained that Bettman voiced concerns about the arena project a year ago, predicting it would not be near completion by February 2026. “Gary Bettman, a year ago, said that the amphitheater file is worrying, that we are not even close to having one which will be under final construction for February 2026,” Lavoie stated. “Ultimately, the commissioner seems to be right.”
The lack of a contingency plan from the IOC is a major source of anxiety for the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. While time remains to address the issues, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of the Olympic hockey tournament and the participation of NHL players.
