![NHL Expands to Europe: New Office Opens in Switzerland | [Year]](https://www.sportcal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2025/11/main69135af3a8947.jpg "NHL Expands to Europe: New Office Opens in Switzerland | [Year]")
NHL Expands Global Reach with Strategic Broadcast Deals & Olympic Return
The National Hockey League is making meaningful strides in its international expansion, solidifying its presence in key markets and preparing for a landmark few years. Switzerland is a prime example of this growth, currently boasting 10 active players in the NHL – a strong showing for a nation outside of the conventional hockey powerhouses of the US and Canada. Leading the charge is Roman josi, a four-time All-Star and captain of the Nashville Predators.
Here’s what you need to know about the NHL’s latest moves:
* Swiss Broadcast Rights: MySports will continue to be the home of NHL coverage in Switzerland through the 2025-26 season.
* Global Game schedule: The NHL is actively planning a series of international events,including the 2025 NHL Global Series in Sweden.
* Olympic Return: Perhaps most excitingly, NHL players will participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina – marking their return to the Games for the first time since 2014.
* World Cup of Hockey: The league is also looking ahead to the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, further showcasing international talent.
A Season Shaped by International Competition
The 2025-26 NHL season will be uniquely structured to accommodate the Olympic Winter Games. A break from February 6th to 24th will allow players to represent their countries on the world stage. I’ve found that this commitment to Olympic participation is a huge boost for the league’s global profile and fan engagement.
Expanding Media Coverage Worldwide
The NHL isn’t just focusing on on-ice events; it’s also aggressively expanding its media reach. Here’s how:
* DAZN Partnership: A deal with DAZN now makes NHL.TV available via streaming in nearly 200 countries and territories, excluding the US and Canada.
* Australian Free-to-Air Deal: A recent exclusive rights agreement with Nine Network in Australia will bring NHL games to a wider audience through free-to-air television for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
These strategic partnerships demonstrate the NHL’s commitment to making the sport more accessible to fans around the globe. It’s a smart move, as increased visibility frequently enough translates to a larger and more passionate fanbase.
Ultimately, these developments signal a proactive approach to growth. The NHL is clearly focused on building a stronger international presence, and I believe these efforts will pay dividends in the years to come, fostering a more global hockey community.
