Serie A and NHL Collaborate in Milan to Expand Global Reach Ahead of 2026 Olympics.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Lega Serie A

Lega Serie A and the National Hockey League (NHL) marked the start of the new Serie A season with a high-profile collaboration in Milan, showcasing cultural exchange between two of the world’s leading sports leagues ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

NHL Players Experience San Siro and Inter Training Ground

As part of the NHL and NHLPA European Player Media Tour, several NHL stars visited Italy to experience Serie A’s opening weekend.

On Saturday evening, Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils), Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo Sabres), and William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) stepped onto the San Siro pitch before AC Milan’s season opener against Cremonese. The players participated in a ceremonial jersey exchange with AC Milan forward Rafael Leão in front of more than 75,000 fans.

Earlier in the day, the players visited Inter’s training ground, where they were welcomed by the squad and head coach Cristian Chivu. Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer reconnected with close friend and compatriot Hischier, highlighting the cross-sport connection.

On Sunday, JJ Moser (Arizona Coyotes) attended Como’s home match at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, watching the club secure a 2–0 victory over Lazio.

Strategic Collaboration Between Serie A and the NHL

According to Lega Serie A and NHL executives, the collaboration represents a step toward expanding both leagues’ international reach. The weekend provided opportunities for storytelling, media content creation, and fan engagement across multiple platforms.

Andy Mitchell, CEO of Serie A USA, underlined the strategic importance:

“We are proud to partner with the NHL and host some of its biggest stars in Milan. The collaboration aids our ongoing mission to expand our reach among North American sports fans as we approach the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.”

Michele Ciccarese, Commercial & Marketing Director at Lega Serie A, added:

“Our partnership with the NHL is another step forward for our international growth strategy. By connecting our teams, players, and fans with those of other world-class leagues, we create cultural exchanges that showcase the passion of Italian football on a global stage.”

Media and Global Visibility Serie A NHL

Lega Serie A emphasized that the presence of NHL players provided fresh content for international broadcasters and partners. The initiative was amplified through social media collaborations involving Serie A clubs, the NHL, the NHLPA, and Milano-Cortina 2026 organizers.

Anna Guarnerio, International Media Rights Director at Lega Serie A, noted the added media value:

“Showcasing NHL stars at Serie A stadiums and training facilities helps bring us closer to new audiences, while also giving our existing partners exciting stories to tell.”