NHL Global Series Heads to Germany in 2026 as League Expands International Reach
Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle skates during NHL game against Seattle Kraken, Dec. 17, 2024. Photo credit: Jenn G.
Written By Gina Anton
The National Hockey League has increasingly focused on expanding its global reach, and one of the league’s most visible international initiatives is the NHL Global Series. The event brings regular-season NHL games outside of North America, allowing fans around the world to experience the highest level of professional hockey in person.
The initiative aims to grow the sport internationally, strengthen the league’s presence overseas, and give global fans a chance to experience NHL games live. The NHL has staged international regular-season games for decades, with recent Global Series events held in cities such as Stockholm, Prague, and Helsinki.
The 2025 NHL Global Series
In 2025, the NHL held the Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators played two regular-season games at Avicii Arena on November 14 and November 16.
The matchup featured star players including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Roman Josi, and Swedish defenseman Erik Karlsson, giving European fans the chance to watch some of the league’s biggest names compete in person.
Events surrounding the series included fan festivals, open practices, and public viewing events that celebrated hockey culture and brought the NHL experience directly to international fans.
The 2026 NHL Global Series
The NHL is scheduled to bring the Global Series to Düsseldorf, Germany in 2026. The Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will play two regular-season games at PSD Bank Dome on December 18 and December 20, 2026.
These games will mark only the second and third NHL regular-season games played in Germany, underscoring the league’s growing interest in the German hockey market.
Why Germany Matters for the NHL
Germany has emerged as one of the most important developing hockey markets in Europe. The country has produced several elite NHL players in recent years, including Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, and Moritz Seider. Their success at the NHL level has helped raise the sport’s profile both domestically and internationally.
The NHL and the National Hockey League Players' Association have also announced a long-term strategy to grow hockey in Germany through youth development programs, fan engagement events, and additional NHL games in the country.
When announcing the games, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly emphasized the importance of the German market, saying:
“Our deepened commitment to Germany as an important hockey country marks a critical next chapter for the NHL.”
He added that the league intends to strengthen its presence through major events and grassroots initiatives to build stronger connections with fans and communities in Germany.
Former German national player and NHLPA executive Rob Zepp also highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“We have strategic plans to grow… through grassroots initiatives, creative collaborations and building stronger relationships between NHL players and German fans.”
Why the Global Series Is Important
The NHL Global Series plays a key role in the league’s international strategy. By hosting regular-season games in Europe, the NHL introduces new audiences to the sport while reinforcing relationships with established hockey markets. These events help inspire young players, create business partnerships, and expand the league’s global fan base.
Ultimately, the Global Series reflects the NHL’s broader objective: expanding hockey’s global footprint while connecting fans around the world with the sport’s biggest stars.
