Bayern Munich, NHL announce partnership

20 August 2026, Bavaria, Munich: Hockey, Soccer: Joint press conference by FC Bayern Munich and the National Hockey League (NHL). John-Jason Peterka (left to right), a player for the Boston Bruins; Alphonso Davies, a player for FC Bayern Munich; and Leon Draisaitl, a player for the Edmonton Oilers, pose in their jerseys at the press conference. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTICE: In accordance with the regulations of the Bundesliga and the German Football Association (DFB), it is prohibited to use or allow the use of photographs taken in the stadium and/or during the game in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Per a release from FCBayern.com, Bayern Munich and the National Hockey League are teaming up.

The two sporting giants have announced a strategic, multi-year partnership designed to grow the NHL in Germany while strengthening Bayern Munich’s presence in North America.

The collaboration will connect football and hockey fans through digital campaigns, co-branded content and merchandise, street hockey events in Munich, watch parties, Allianz Arena activations, youth programs, hospitality experiences and player appearances.

The partnership was unveiled at Säbener Straße with Alphonso Davies joined by German NHL stars Leon Draisaitl and JJ Peterka.

Rouven Kasper called it a partnership that can “set a new benchmark” for what cross-sport collaborations can achieve, while NHL President Keith Wachtel described Germany as one of the league’s most important international growth markets.

“FC Bayern is renowned for constantly breaking the mould – and we are very excited about this special partnership with the NHL. By developing ideas together with one of the most tradition-steeped leagues in world sport, the connection of our respective regions will create unique synergies on a wide variety of levels, in sports and beyond. We are creating a platform that promises long-term value for both partners and sets a new benchmark in terms of what cross-sport collaborations can achieve,” said Kasper.

Wachtel was equally excited about the partnership.

“Germany is one of the most important international growth markets for the NHL, and FC Bayern is one of the most famous and respected sport brands in the world. Through the combination of the NHL’s passion for ice hockey with FC Bayern’s extraordinary reach and closeness to fans, we have a massive strategic opportunity to get more people interested in our sport, deepen the connection to existing fans and create one-of-a-kind experience,” Wachtel stated.

And there is an exciting bonus for German hockey fans: Munich will host two NHL regular-season games during the 2027/28 season, featuring the Boston Bruins and Munich-born Peterka. Cologne will also host two games involving the Edmonton Oilers and Cologne native Draisaitl.

Football and hockey. Bayern Munich and the NHL.

This could be a fascinating partnership to watch develop.

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