NHL partners with FC Bayern Munich to expand German market presence, adds regular-season games

Published Aug 20, 03:27 PM UTC

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The National Hockey League (NHL) and German soccer giant FC Bayern Munich announced a multiyear partnership on August 20, 2026, aimed at growing hockey's popularity in Germany. The deal includes four additional regular-season NHL games on German soil: two featuring the Boston Bruins in Munich during the 2027-28 season, and two with the Edmonton Oilers in Cologne. These follow previously scheduled games between the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators in Düsseldorf in December 2026. The partnership, the first of its kind between a North American sports league and a European soccer club, was the result of six months of negotiations. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly highlighted Germany's potential for growth, citing a market analysis of the country's 84 million population. Bayern Munich's chief marketing officer Rouven Kasper noted the shared fan engagement and atmosphere as synergies. The NHL may also stage an outdoor game at Bayern's 75,000-seat Allianz Arena in the future.

Source

Soccer - The AthleticWestern

Original headline: Why the NHL is partnering with German soccer giant FC Bayern Munich

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

NHL and Bayern Munich Announce Strategic Partnership for German Market Growth

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Germany