Alberta commits $15 million to bid for 2028 World Cup of Hockey

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the provincial government will provide $15 million to support a bid to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey in Alberta.

Smith announced Monday that if the bid is successful, games would be played in Calgary and Edmonton. She said the tournament could become the second most-watched hockey competition globally.

According to the premier, the bid decision will be made by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association. Smith said she hopes league officials will select either Calgary or Edmonton to host the event.

Carson Ackroyd, vice-president of sales with Tourism Calgary, said the tournament could generate more than $200 million in economic impact for the host city, drawing visitors from around the world. The projected impact has not been independently verified.

Jeremy Farkas said he is scheduled to meet Tuesday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to seek further details about the bid process. He said major international sporting events help strengthen a city’s commercial and economic foundation.