For the last couple months, concern has gradually risen regarding ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Construction deadlines on the brand new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which needs to be ready by Feb. 5, have continually been missed. Early on Friday, a recent report from The Associated Press (AP) alarmingly explained that there is no backup plan. "There is no plan B,” Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, said to AP. It's important to note that this is entirely out of the National Hockey League's hands…it solely falls on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who have continued to promise the arena's readiness despite the lackluster progress. Nonetheless, after the rousing success of the 4 Nations Face-Off last February — plus the fact that this would be the first Olympics with NHL participation since Sochi in 2014 — it would be a disaster if the NHL didn't feel confident enough in the IOC to participate.
The return of NHL players to the Olympics in 2026 and 2030 has been highly anticipated. For players like Connor McDavid, it represents a dream come true, an opportunity to represent their country on the world stage, something he has never been able to do. For the league, participation in the Olympics offers a chance to grow the game internationally, tap into new markets, and increase revenue. However, if the NHL were to pull out of the Olympics, the consequences could be severe, hindering the league's growth and damaging its reputation.
One of the primary benefits of NHL participation in the Olympics is the increased exposure it provides. NHL television programming is available in over 160 countries. The Olympics are a global event, drawing billions of viewers from around the world. By allowing its players to participate, the NHL can showcase its stars and its product to a massive international audience, attracting new fans and potential sponsors. The NHL has focused on bolstering its social media channels in key European markets. The league recognizes a golden opportunity in the global market and is focused on what it can do outside of North America to continue to grow the game on a worldwide basis.
The NHL's current revenue sits at an all-time high, with an estimated $6.5 billion annually. The league has bounced back in a major way from the pandemic, with record attendance and increased viewership. The NHL is investing more time and money into efforts to grow the game internationally, particularly in Europe. NHL revenue could reach $10 billion before the end of the decade. A strengthened international presence would undoubtedly contribute to achieving this goal.
However, the NHL's relationship with the Olympics has been complex. While players are eager to participate, team owners have often viewed it as an unnecessary risk, disrupting the NHL season and potentially leading to injuries to key players. The league has also had disagreements with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) over various issues. These factors have led to the NHL's non-participation in several recent Olympics, including PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
The decision to allow NHL players to participate in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics marked a turning point, bringing a new level of skill and excitement to the tournament. The introduction of professional players sparked debates about amateurism versus the benefits of showcasing top-tier talent. The NHL participated in five consecutive Olympic games from 1998 to 2014. The last time NHL players participated in the Olympics was in Sochi in 2014. Canada beat Sweden to win gold. The United States did not medal after losing in the Bronze Medal game.
If the NHL were to pull out of the 2026 Olympics, it would not only disappoint players and fans but also damage the league's efforts to grow the game internationally. The Olympics provide a unique platform to showcase the NHL's stars and attract new fans in key markets. A withdrawal would signal a lack of commitment to international growth and could harm the league's reputation. The NHL needs to work with the IOC and IIHF to ensure that the 2026 Olympics are a success for all involved. The potential rewards of participation far outweigh the risks.
