UBS Arena will host a major NHL event in 2027 — but what type will it be?

Future of NHL All-Star Games Uncertain

The situation regarding the 2026 All-Star Game has become somewhat intertwined with plans for the 2027 event.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that prior to the Stanley Cup finals, the specifics are still up in the air, especially since the 2026 event coincides with the Olympics and the 2027 event is planned for UBS Arena.

“We have to acknowledge that next season players will be very focused on the Olympics in Milan,” Bettman mentioned during a press conference in Edmonton. “It’s crucial that we respect that. Plus, with the event at UBS the following year, we need to ensure that we maintain the level of interest and reliability that we’ve built in the four competing nations. So, this is still a work in progress.”

There are still many unknown factors affecting both events.

A spokesperson for the NHL confirmed there will be an Olympic send-off event at UBS Arena next February, and that the 2027 event will feature “On-Ice Hockey.”

However, what that event will look like remains unclear.

The NHL, in this case, might be facing a bit of a paradox.

No matter how things play out on Long Island, if the four-country event fails to match this year’s standard, it could be seen as a letdown.

And, honestly, no standard All-Star game can compete with the intensity of Stanley Cup final-level hockey, especially when those electrifying moments have gripped fans for so long.

“We have set a high standard for All-Star weekends across all sports,” Bettman added. “A league has been announced today; we’re considering adjusting formats based on our successes.”

On top of that, the NHL plans to host both the Olympics and the Hockey World Cup every four years, starting with the Olympics in 2028, while committing to showcasing the best international hockey in alternate years.