NHL Confirms Calgary, Edmonton, Prague as 2028 World Cup of Hockey Host Cities

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) have officially designated Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as the host cities for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. This announcement was made on Day 1 of the General Managers’ Meetings, with Calgary and Edmonton selected to host the North American leg, while Prague, Czechia, will welcome the European portion of the premier international hockey tournament.

Key venues for the event include Calgary's modern Scotia Place and Prague's O2 Arena, each slated to host seven games: six round-robin matchups and one crucial elimination game. The culminating Semifinals and Finals will be staged at Rogers Place in Edmonton, solidifying its role as the championship hub.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed immense enthusiasm in a press release, highlighting the unparalleled excitement and skill of best-on-best international hockey. "There is no international competition in sports that matches the passion, skill, and excitement of hockey’s best-on-best coming together to represent their countries," Bettman stated, referencing recent events as prime examples. He further added, "We at the National Hockey League and our partners at the National Hockey League Players’ Association can’t wait to bring the World Cup of Hockey 2028 to three spectacular venues in three cities that shine when staging big events. We know Calgary, Edmonton and Prague will serve as fantastic hosts for hockey fans from all over the globe, and that the greatest hockey players in the world will compete on a level that will make this event truly memorable."

Future of International Hockey

This announcement aligns with the new International Hockey calendar, established last February when the League and Players Association reintroduced best-on-best competition. This calendar schedules the Olympic Games and the World Cup of Hockey to alternate every two years, establishing a consistent rhythm for elite international play.

Back in February, Bettman confirmed plans for the 2028 World Cup, noting, "We are moving forward with the World Cup two years after the Olympics in 2028. We will be asking for bids on hosting games." He had indicated an imminent finalization of host city plans, expressing great anticipation for this "full-blown World Cup," which he described as a "sensational" follow-up to previous "sampler" events.

As an NHL-NHLPA organized event, the World Cup of Hockey currently operates without direct input from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), beyond their ongoing ban on Russian athletes in international competitions. However, this dynamic could evolve by 2028.

Host City Selection Process

The selection process saw considerable anticipation. Weeks prior, during the unveiling of the new Flames arena, Commissioner Bettman was questioned about Calgary's bid. While acknowledging it as "a good bid" that "people could be very proud of," he emphasized that "Nothing has been finalized." He explained that the League was still reviewing the joint bid from Calgary and Edmonton, necessitating a few more weeks to finalize arrangements before a formal announcement. "It is a work in progress. Things still need to be finalized, which is why there has yet to be an announcement. But at some point in the not-too-distant future, a couple of weeks or so, we should be in a position to finalize an announcement," Bettman elaborated.

True to his word, the official announcement followed within weeks. The decision underscores the NHL's significant interest in Calgary as a host city, given Bettman's presence at the arena unveiling. While Stockholm, Sweden, was initially speculated as a potential European host, Prague ultimately secured the rights.

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is poised to showcase the top eight hockey nations globally, competing in a best-on-best format during February.