NHL, NHLPA and Lega Serie A partner on historic international sports deal in advance of 2026 Winter Olympics
In a historic collaboration between two of the globe's top sports leagues, the
NHL
, NHLPA, and Lega Serie A initiated an international content partnership in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The partnership is the first time that a North American professional sports league and a European football league have partnered together in such a far-reaching promotional campaign.
Hockey meets Calcio: NHL Stars and Serie A Legends meet in Milan for historic fan events
The announcement by Lega Serie A, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) lays the groundwork for an unprecedented series of high-profile events aimed at uniting the greatest of professional hockey and Italian football.
At the heart of the partnership is the 2025 NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour, which takes place on Aug. 22 in Milan, a day before the Lega Serie A 2025-26 season starts on Aug. 23.
As part of the media tour, elite European NHL players will experience Italian soccer culture—touring training facilities of some Serie A teams and watching a game at historic San Siro stadium. These interleague crossover experiences will be photographed and shared as international content to engage fans of both leagues.
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'In North America, both soccer and hockey have incredibly dedicated, passionate fan bases. 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," stated Andy Mitchell, CEO and Managing Director, Lega Serie A USA. 'By bringing Lega Serie A legends and NHL stars together, we aim to create a synergy that showcases the best of each league, creating an unforgettable experience for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
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This cross-platform initiative will honor the passion of sports enthusiasts all over the globe while shining a light on top sports stars from both leagues.
'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. 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 opportunity to promote our top hockey players in the environments of the biggest sport in Italy," stated Keith Wachtel, President, NHL Business.
"We look forward to working with Lega Serie A to deliver world-class events highlighting both leagues' history, heritage, and shared culture.'
Looking ahead to Milano-Cortina 2026
For the NHLPA, this collaboration offers another platform to showcase its players on a global stage. Rob Zepp, Senior Director, International Strategy & Growth of the NHLPA, said, 'Professional athletes from around the world share a unique bond that this groundbreaking collaboration will celebrate and showcase.
Combining the profiles of the elite athletes from the NHL and Lega Serie A will leverage the reach and star power of the players and both leagues as we move towards the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.
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Also read:
From Ken Daniels to Joe Beninati, which NHL broadcasts truly score in 2025? Fans rank the best and worst
With Milan set to be the Olympic host city within less than two years, this cross-league cooperation couldn't come at a better time. Not only will it enhance the NHL's and Lega Serie A's international reach, but also the global appeal of hockey and soccer.
FAQs
What is Lega Serie A?
Lega Serie A is the governing body for Italy's top professional football league, known as Serie A.
What is the NHLPA?
The National Hockey League Players' Association is the labor union that represents the interests of all professional hockey players in the National Hockey League (NHL).
When was the NHLPA established?
1967
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