NHL continues Germany push with Bayern partnership, more Global Series games

The NHL has announced a partnership with FC Bayern Munich and scheduled Global Series regular-season games in Munich and Cologne for 2027, as part of a minimum 10-year investment plan in Germany. The partnership was introduced on August 20, 2026, in Munich, with German NHL stars Leon Draisaitl and JJ Peterka attending alongside Bayern's Canadian defender Alphonso Davies. The moves are driven by Germany's population of 84 million and its growing representation among NHL players, making it a priority international market for the league.