NHL, NHLPA and Serie A team up ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics

Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the NHL, NHLPA, and Italy’s Serie A have announced a groundbreaking cross-sport collaboration set to take place this August in Milan.

The initiative, revealed on Tuesday, will see top European NHL players train and engage with Serie A stars and legends in a series of special events designed to connect fans of both hockey and soccer.



The event kicks off on August 22 with the annual NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour, hosted in Milan for the first time. Around 30–40 NHL players are expected to attend.

The following day, NHL players will visit Serie A club training grounds, interact with footballers, and participate in events that celebrate the shared athleticism between the two sports. That evening, they will attend AC Milan’s season opener against Cremonese at San Siro Stadium.

NHL business president Keith Wachtel and Serie A marketing head Michele Ciccarese began discussing the partnership three years ago, seeing the upcoming Olympics as the perfect opportunity. Their vision gained momentum after a viral jersey exchange between NHL star Mika Zibanejad and Italian football legends Andrea Pirlo and Marco Materazzi in March.

Serie A USA CEO Andy Mitchell called the initiative a 'synergy that showcases the best of each league', while NHLPA’s Rob Zepp praised the unique bond shared by elite athletes.

"In North America, both soccer and hockey have incredibly dedicated, passionate fan bases," said Mitchell.

"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.

"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."

The collaboration aims to build global fan engagement and amplify excitement leading up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.