With NHL players officially returning to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, fans are asking an important behind-the-scenes question:
Will NHL players stay in the Olympic Village during the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The answer is yes. NHL players and national hockey teams are expected to stay in the official Olympic Village during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, following standard Olympic housing practices.
NHL Players Are Returning to the Olympics in 2026
The National Hockey League confirmed that it will pause its season to allow players to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the league’s return to Olympic hockey after missing the 2018 and 2022 Games.
As part of the agreement between the NHL, the International Ice Hockey Federation, and Olympic organizers, participating teams will follow traditional Olympic protocols — including athlete accommodations.
Will NHL Players Stay in the Olympic Village?
Yes. NHL players are expected to stay in the Olympic Village, just like athletes from other sports.
Unlike some Summer Olympics where NBA players have stayed in private hotels, hockey players have historically lived in the Olympic Village when NHL participation was allowed, including:
- Nagano 1998
- Salt Lake City 2002
- Turin 2006
- Vancouver 2010
- Sochi 2014
The 2026 Games are expected to follow the same model.
What the Olympic Village Experience Will Be Like for NHL Players
Athlete Housing and Facilities
The Olympic Village for the Milano-Cortina Games will be located primarily in Milan, with modern athlete housing, dining halls, training facilities, and recovery areas. Teams will be housed together, maintaining locker-room cohesion and team routines.
Nutrition and Training Adjustments
While the Olympic Village provides world-class dining, NHL teams are accustomed to highly customized nutrition programs. Team staff are expected to supplement standard Olympic meals to meet professional hockey dietary needs.
Family and Guest Accommodations
The NHL-Olympics agreement allows each player to have a limited number of accredited guests. While family members may not stay directly in athlete housing, accommodations near the Village will be arranged.
Why Staying in the Olympic Village Matters
Living in the Olympic Village is a core part of the Olympic experience. For NHL players, it provides:
- A shared environment with athletes from other sports
- Centralized access to training and competition venues
- A true international tournament atmosphere unlike the NHL season
It also reinforces the Olympic ideal of unity and competition beyond professional leagues.
Final Answer
Yes — NHL players will stay in the Olympic Village during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
This decision aligns with past Olympic hockey tournaments, simplifies logistics, and ensures NHL stars are fully immersed in the Olympic experience alongside the world’s top winter athletes.