NHL Teams Up With FC Bayern Munich in Cross-Sport Push to Expand Hockey’s Global Footprint

The NHL and FC Bayern Munich have announced a multiyear partnership designed to grow hockey in Germany while helping Bayern reach more fans in North America. The deal was announced August 20, 2026, at Bayern’s training facility in Munich.

German NHL stars Leon Draisaitl and JJ Peterka joined Bayern star Alphonso Davies for the announcement. The partnership is a major part of the NHL’s plan to expand internationally.

A Partnership Built Around Fan Engagement

The NHL and Bayern plan to collaborate on more than advertising. Their plans include social media campaigns, co-branded merchandise, street hockey events, watch parties, and special activities at Bayern’s Allianz Arena. Youth programs and community events are also planned.

NHL President of Business Keith Wachtel said the partnership gives the league a chance to introduce hockey to new fans. Bayern CMO Rouven Kasper said the partnership could set a new standard for collaborations between different sports.

For US sports fans and bettors, the deal also shows how seriously the NHL is taking international growth. A larger hockey audience could eventually create more interest in NHL betting around the world.

Star Power Drives the Announcement

Draisaitl and Peterka were important choices for the announcement because both have strong connections to Germany.

Draisaitl, an Edmonton Oilers star, is from Cologne. Peterka, a Boston Bruins forward, is from Munich. Their involvement gives German fans hometown players to support. Davies, a Canadian-born Bayern player, also connects the two sides of the partnership.

Together, the three athletes represent the main goal of the deal: helping the NHL grow in Germany while Bayern builds its audience in North America.

Two Rounds of Global Series Germany Games Confirmed

The NHL also announced regular-season games in Germany. The Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will play at Düsseldorf’s PSD Bank Dome on Dec. 18 and 20, 2026.

More games will follow. Munich’s SAP Garden is set to host the Boston Bruins, giving Peterka a chance to play near his hometown. Cologne’s Lanxess Arena will host the Edmonton Oilers, bringing Draisaitl back to his hometown.

These are regular-season games, not exhibitions. That means the results will count in the NHL standings and major US sportsbooks are expected to offer betting lines.

Germany has become an important international market for the NHL. Partnering with Bayern gives the league access to one of the world’s best-known sports brands and its large fan base.

Through events, online content, merchandise, and youth programs, the NHL hopes to introduce hockey to German sports fans who may not currently follow the league. Even turning a small share of Bayern fans into NHL viewers could create long-term growth.

Looking Ahead

The first major test comes in December when Düsseldorf hosts the Senators and Blackhawks. Those games could show how much demand exists for NHL hockey in Germany.

More partnership events are also expected, including player appearances, new content, and community programs. The future games in Munich and Cologne could be especially popular, with Peterka and Draisaitl getting the chance to play in front of hometown fans.