NHL and Serie A Forge Historic Partnership for Milano-Cortina 2026

Serie A and NHL Unite: A Pre-Olympic Power Play for Global Sports Fans

As the countdown to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics intensifies, two titans of the sporting world-Italy’s beloved Serie A and the National Hockey League (NHL)-have joined forces for an unprecedented collaboration designed to engage fans and spotlight the world’s elite hockey talent.

The strategic partnership, announced amidst the buzz of the NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour in Milan, aims to bridge the Atlantic’s passion for both football and ice hockey. With Serie A’s 2025-2026 season kicking off just days after the tour’s Milan stop, the timing is impeccable, setting the stage for a shared celebration of athletic excellence.

Andy Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lega Serie A USA, highlighted the synergy between the two leagues. “In North America, both soccer and hockey have incredibly dedicated, passionate fan bases,” Mitchell noted. “This collaboration with the NHL and the NHLPA allows us to engage with a global audience in new and exciting ways while celebrating the anticipation surrounding the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.”

The initiative promises a unique blend of sports culture. Serie A stars and legends will engage in activities designed to draw parallels between the dedication, skill, and teamwork required in football and hockey. NHL players are slated to tour the training facilities of prominent Serie A clubs,offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Italian football landscape. A highlight will surely be their attendance at a Serie A match at the iconic San Siro stadium, the very venue that will host the Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Winter Games.

This partnership marks a significant moment, as it precedes the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. The NHL’s increasing global footprint, evidenced by its accomplished Global Series featuring regular-season and exhibition games across Europe, underscores the league’s commitment to connecting with international fan bases.

Keith Wachtel, President of NHL Business, echoed the sentiment of shared ambition. “As a global sport with players from 21 countries, the NHL is thrilled to collaborate with Lega Serie A to create unique content that celebrates the intersection of hockey and soccer,” Wachtel stated. “With the Winter olympics on the horizon,Milan will serve as a focal point for sports fans around the world,so we are delighted to take the prospect to promote our top hockey players in the environments of the biggest sport in Italy.”

This cross-sport collaboration is poised to generate significant excitement, offering a fresh perspective for fans of both sports and amplifying the global appeal of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.

What specific content initiatives are planned to showcase Serie A players and teams to a north American audience?

A Game-Changing Collaboration for International hockey

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Serie A, Italy’s top professional ice hockey league, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. This collaboration marks a notable step in expanding the global reach of ice hockey and leveraging the excitement surrounding the upcoming Games. The agreement, finalized on July 22, 2025, focuses on international content and strategic initiatives designed to boost the profile of both leagues.

Details of the NHL-Serie A Partnership

This isn’t just a branding exercise; it’s a multi-faceted agreement with several key components:

Content creation: Joint production of compelling content showcasing both NHL and Serie A players, teams, and storylines.This will include behind-the-scenes footage, player profiles, and game highlights.

Cross-Promotional Activities: Increased visibility for Serie A within North American markets and vice versa, utilizing the NHL’s extensive media network and fan base.

Progress Programs: Potential collaborative initiatives to foster youth hockey development in Italy, building a stronger pipeline of talent for Serie A and potentially the NHL.

Marketing & Branding: Co-branded marketing campaigns to capitalize on the shared excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Strategic Alignment: Working together to maximize opportunities related to the Milano-Cortina Games,including fan engagement and event promotion.

Impact on the 2026 Winter Olympics

The timing of this partnership is no coincidence. Milano-Cortina 2026 presents a unique opportunity to showcase ice hockey to a broader audience.

Increased visibility: The collaboration will amplify the reach of both the NHL and Serie A during the Olympic period.

Fan Engagement: Joint initiatives will aim to create a more immersive and engaging experience for fans both at the Games and online.

Global Growth: The partnership aligns with the NHL’s broader strategy of expanding its international footprint, notably in Europe.

NHL Player Participation: While not directly stated in the initial announcement, this partnership could pave the way for increased NHL player participation in future Olympic tournaments – a topic of ongoing discussion between the NHL, NHLPA, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Benefits for Serie A

This partnership offers substantial benefits for Serie A, potentially elevating the league’s profile on the international stage.

Enhanced exposure: Access to the NHL’s massive media reach and marketing resources.

Increased Sponsorship Opportunities: A more attractive league for potential sponsors due to increased visibility.

Talent Development: Potential for collaborative development programs to improve the quality of play in Serie A.

Fan Base Growth: Attracting new fans both in Italy and internationally.

League Prestige: Association with the NHL, widely regarded as the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, will enhance Serie A’s prestige.

What This Means for Hockey Fans

For fans of ice hockey, this partnership promises a more connected and engaging experience. Expect:

More Content: A wider variety of content showcasing players and teams from both leagues.

increased Coverage: Greater media coverage of Serie A in North America and NHL content in Italy.

Global Community: A stronger sense of community among hockey fans worldwide.

Potential for Crossover Events: Future possibilities for exhibition games or player exchanges between the NHL and Serie A.

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source: NHL, NHLPA strike partnership with Serie A ahead of 2026 Winter…