Ottawa’s 2028 World Cup Bid Falls Short, Tournament Set for February Return

Ottawa’s bid to co-host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey has been unsuccessful, according to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia. The announcement comes as the National Hockey League and NHL Players’ Association move forward with plans for the tournament’s return in February 2028, marking the first time the event will be held since 2016 and the fourth iteration overall.

Bid Process and Tournament Format

The NHL and NHLPA initiated the host city selection process in June, inviting expressions of interest from cities across North America, Europe and other international markets [TSN]. Two host cities will be selected. The tournament will feature eight nations competing in a round-robin and quarter-final format across the two host cities, with the semifinals and championship game taking place in a single location.

Ottawa’s Previous Interest and Bid

The Ottawa Senators expressed interest in hosting the 2028 World Cup, submitting a bid to showcase games at the Canadian Tire Centre [Ottawa Citizen]. Cyril Leeder, the Senators’ president and chief executive officer, confirmed the organization’s intent to bid in July 2025 [The Hockey News]. Ottawa previously hosted games during the 1996, 2004, and 2016 World Cup of Hockey tournaments.

NHL’s Return to Best-on-Best International Hockey

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is part of a broader NHL initiative to increase best-on-best international competition. The league reintroduced this format with the 4 Nations Face-Off last year and saw NHL players return to the Olympics last month for the first time since 2014 [TSN]. NHL players are also scheduled to participate in the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Tournament Details

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is scheduled to consist of 17 games played over 12 days [TSN]. The event aims to establish a regular schedule of best-on-best hockey, alternating with the Winter Olympics.