Florida is the best option for hosting World Cup of Hockey in 2028

This article is written for and featured on the FL Teams website.

Imagine visiting Florida to satisfy all your hockey needs: attending games, watching the world’s best players, enjoying the beaches, experiencing great weather, and engaging in numerous other activities in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and/or Orlando. Hosting the 2028 World Cup in one of Florida’s cities is an attractive alternative. The Sunshine State has so much to offer to hockey fans and professionals.

The NHL and NHPLA have launched an official Host City casting process for the World Cup of Hockey, scheduled to take place in February 2028. But where?

The deadline to submit an initial interest to host a prestigious event is Friday, July 18th. International markets are encouraged to apply, so some groups will likely compete in North America, while others will likely compete in Europe. The best-on-best hockey tournament will feature round-robin and quarterfinals in two host cities, with semifinals and finals played at one of the NHL’s venues in Canada or the United States. Here’s why Florida should be in the running.

Sports Facts

The Florida-based teams, the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020 and 2021) and Florida Panthers (2024 and 2025), have won four of the last six Stanley Cups. After congratulating the reigning NHL champions on their recent achievement, Gov. Ron DeSantis joked about drafting a new executive order “granting Florida residency and a homestead exemption for Lord Stanley’s Cup.” Moreover, Wayne Gretzky supports the construction of a new ice rink facility in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and plans to locate his Gretzky Hockey Academy there. The new recreational arena is expected to open its doors in July 2026.

Florida is a unique hockey market, and it’s booming with kids who want to play and stars who want to coach. Vincent Lecavalier, a former Lightning captain and a member of the 2004 Stanley Cup championship team, serves as the head coach for the Florida 13U AAA Alliance and instructs the best local select players. According to USA Hockey, 577,864 players were registered last season. The number includes youth and adult groups.

It’s helpful to keep in mind that the state has five professional teams: two in the NHL and three in the ECHL, with the Florida Everblades winning three consecutive Kelly Cups (2022, 2023, and 2024). The locals are passionate about sports and prepared to greet a global tournament.

Both Florida-based NHL clubs hosted All-Star Games twice: the Panthers in 2003 and 2023 and the Lightning in 1999 and 2018. The local governing agencies know how to handle and protect a massive flow of fans.

Another state milestone is hosting outdoor events. The Florida Panthers will participate in their first-ever home Winter Classic against the New York Rangers on Jan. 2, 2026 at LoanDepot Park, the Miami Marlins’ home, and the Tampa Bay Lightning will welcome the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home.

The state is proud to have three full-scale NHL-size arenas: Amalie Arena in Tampa, Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, and Kia Center in Orlando.

Economic Impact

Florida is a modern hockey attraction. While it’s complicated to calculate direct revenue, every Stanley Cup parade not only unites people but also boosts local tourism, businesses, and generates merchandise sales. In June, the 2025 Florida Panthers Championship parade attracted an estimated 400,000 fans. Imagine if even half of that number buys a bottle of water to stay hydrated. People were paying extra to watch the parade from the balconies of the beachside hotels. Sports success brings new sponsorships, donors, awards, and more opportunities. The impact of hockey on local communities is immeasurable.

The Sunshine State is a diverse region that welcomed over 142 million visitors in 2024, comprising domestic, international, and Canadian tourists. Any hockey lover can enjoy top-notch beaches, shopping, and entertainment parks. There is no shortage of resorts, restaurants, and sports in Florida. The transportation options are rental cars, buses, planes, and train service. Brightline railway connects Miami and Orlando with a proposition to extend to Tampa. So, hockey spectators can easily commute from the Panthers’ den to the Lightning’s ground.

Obstacles

The quality of ice can be a challenge. Even though the NHL tries to maintain the same technical standards for all clubs, let’s face it – Florida’s climate is humid and unpredictable. The softer ice surface isn’t a player’s favorite.

February is a hot sports month, with two NBA and two MLS Florida-based teams playing their regular-season games, and two NFL clubs potentially in the playoffs. Is the NHL ready to compete with other major leagues simultaneously? It’s another interesting topic. The 2024 revenue ranking for 10 major world leagues brought the NHL to fifth place with $6.07 billion.

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey in Florida could add a new flavor and raise the league’s global profile. And, celebrities love attending high-caliber sports events.

One thing is sure: Florida’s hockey market is hot, and its sports climate is open to global exposure. Welcome to hockey paradise!