Penguins and Predators Take NHL Global: What the 2025 Sweden Series Means for International Hockey
The NHL Global Series is a set of NHL games played overseas, outside of North America, to expand the sport’s reach and grow its international fan base. These games are primarily hosted in European countries, allowing local fans to experience NHL hockey live rather than just through broadcasts. The Global Series was created to introduce new audiences to the NHL and strengthen its presence in key hockey markets worldwide. By playing in new locations, the league not only increases exposure but also creates a deeper connection between the sport and its growing international fanbase.
On March 18th, 2025, the NHL, NHLPA, and Live Nation announced the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden, presented by Fastenal. This year’s event will feature two regular-season games between the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 14th and November 16th. This will be the Predators’ first trip to Sweden and their third time playing overseas, while the Penguins are returning to Europe for the first time in 17 years. These games provide an exciting opportunity for both teams to expand their global fan bases and give European fans a rare chance to see NHL talent live and in person.
Why Sweden? A Key Market for the NHL
Sweden is one of the most hockey-rich countries in the world, consistently producing top NHL players. 9.7% of NHL players this season were born in Sweden, making it the most represented country outside North America. Swedish-born stars like Filip Forsberg and Marcus Pettersson will have the opportunity to play in front of home-country fans. This will create a competitive and passionate atmosphere for the event.
Stockholm has hosted more NHL regular season games than any other city outside of North America, which is a testament to Sweden’s deep hockey culture and fan engagement. With a strong youth hockey system and generations of NHL talent, Sweden remains an important country for expanding the NHL’s global footprint. The Global Series allows the league to strengthen its relationship with Swedish fans while promoting the sport to younger generations. Seeing their hockey heroes live could inspire young players to develop their skills and deepen their love for the game, further strengthening Sweden’s hockey culture and influence.
Building off the Momentum of the Four Nations Face-Off
The Four Nations Face-Off, a tournament featuring Sweden, Canada, the United States, and Finland, recently set record-breaking international viewership numbers as Canada took home the inaugural Four Nations Face-Off Championship. This tournament showed how much enthusiasm fans have for international hockey competitions and the demand for high-quality, cross-border matchups. The NHL Global Series is a perfect way to build off the momentum generated by international hockey events. By showcasing top-tier NHL talent in various countries, this initiative continues to expand hockey's global appeal and attract new fans worldwide.
Hockey thrives on international rivalries, and events like the Global Series help strengthen those connections. These games give teams a unique opportunity to connect with international audiences, and the NHL can use these matchups as a testing ground for future expansion efforts. If this event succeeds, the league may consider bringing games to new markets like Switzerland, Austria, or even Asia, continuing its push for global growth. This expansion would continue the league's push for global growth and potentially tap into untapped fan bases across different continents.
Expanding the NHL’s Global Future
The NHL Global Series is about more than just a pair of games; it’s about the future of hockey. These events help the NHL expand its global reach, introduce new audiences to the league, and increase international sponsorship and merchandise sales. Beyond the business side, this event is also about inspiring the next generation of hockey players and growing the sport at the grassroots level. The opportunity to see NHL stars live can have a lasting impact on young athletes and help grow the game in European hockey hotbeds.
For teams like the Predators and Penguins, playing overseas also helps them expand their international following and build their brand beyond North America. With the Four Nations Face-Off proving there is an appetite for international hockey, the NHL Global Series represents a crucial next step. This initiative aims to strengthen the sport on a worldwide scale, bringing the excitement of NHL-caliber play to global audiences. The 2025 Sweden Series is a win for the NHL, a win for Sweden, and a win for international hockey as a whole.
