NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

NEW YORK — There is potentially a real problem developing with the ice hockey facility for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, and the NHL is concerned.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the 16,000-seat Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the venue for the hockey competition at the Milan-Cortina Games in February, continues to be built under an extremely tight construction timeline, with completion potentially not arriving until just days before the opening ceremony. 

Because of that, it’s quite possible that no test events will be able to be held there before the Olympics start in early February—something that would represent a significant deviation from prior norms.

After an NHL Board of Governors meeting held Wednesday, league commissioner Gary Bettman said the situation in Milan amplifies worries held by the league since 2023.

“We’ve had a concern for the last two years on the progress of the rink,” Bettman said. “The [International Olympic Committee] knows of our concerns, and we’re expecting that they’re going to make good on their promises to have a facility that is, from a competitive standpoint, first class.”

The commissioner, however, reiterated that the situation remains the full responsibility of the IOC and local organizers. The NHL and NHL Players’ Association reached an agreement last year with those officials and the International Ice Hockey Federation for players to participate in Italy, but Bettman said the NHL remains “guests” at the event. 

There is no contingency plan, at least not one publicly known, should further construction issues arise.

“You better talk to the IOC,” Bettman said. “It’s not our issue. … This is not our event. We are constrained in what we can and can’t do.”

Expansion Plans Still on Ice

The league’s expansion consideration, meanwhile, has not materially changed, and there remains no formal process to add franchises beyond the current 32 teams. Several cities, including Atlanta and Houston, have expressed ongoing interest in becoming part of the league, but Bettman said bids will still be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“There is, and continues to be, interest from lots of places, but none of it has reached the level that we need to focus on it,” he said.

The commissioner’s comments arrive as the league is beginning the 2025–26 season amid historic strength across the league. NHL revenues, as well as current and projected salary caps, are continuing to reach unprecedented levels, labor peace is assured until at least September 2030, and several major stars, including Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, have solidified their professional futures in recent days through impactful new contracts. 

Aussie Airtime

The NHL, meanwhile, has also completed a deal with Australian broadcaster The Nine Network that will put 21 games this season on free, over-the-air television through the company’s 9Go! Channels.

The deal continues an accelerating push by the league to expand its international reach, particularly after Global Series preseason games held two years ago in Melbourne. The Australian audiences will be served specifically through a customized feed produced by NHL Productions from its New York studio.

“This isn’t just a broadcast—it’s a tailored viewing experience,” said Nine director of sport Brent Williams. “By creating a dedicated feed with local commentary and specialized content, we are committed to growing the sport in Australia.”