#USA #Chicago #CME Group #FutureSports #NHL Futures

CME Group to Launch NHL Futures

CME Group, recognized as the world's premier derivatives marketplace, is on track to unveil the first index-based Hockey futures on September 28. This initiative is poised to transform how fans and businesses engage with hockey, pending regulatory approval. The introduction of these futures contracts aligns with the upcoming 2026-2027 NHL season and is based on the CME FutureSports Performance Indexes, which incorporate exclusive, real-time data from NHL games.

Revolutionizing Price Risk Management in Hockey

Tim McCourt, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, expressed that this launch brings the benefits of regulated market principles to professional sports. The goal is to provide a platform where various stakeholders—financial institutions, sponsors, broadcasters, and vendors—can efficiently manage the inherent risks linked with each NHL team’s performance.

“CME Group plays a vital role in reducing price volatility and offering transparency within the sports industry, empowering teams, fans, and investors to participate actively in market dynamics,” McCourt added.

A New Era for NHL Engagement

Steve Byrd, Head of Partnerships at FutureSports, emphasized the significance of this development, highlighting that industry participants will soon have access to a professional financial instrument reflecting the real-time play-by-play performance of NHL teams. Notably, during the 2024-25 season, NHL teams amassed a record $1.53 billion in sponsorship revenue, correlating with an impressive audience of over 23 million fans, marking the highest attendance figures in the league's extensive history.

The launch of CME Group's Hockey futures is also aligned with modern trading practices, as these will be available in standard-sized contracts valued at ten times the underlying CME FSPI NHL indexes, alongside micro-sized contracts at one-tenth of that value. This innovative structure will allow for around-the-clock trading on a regulated exchange, ensuring secure and transparent pricing along with equal market access.

Methodologies that Uphold Integrity

The CME FSPI Indexes will leverage a rules-based approach for aggregating official NHL statistics into benchmark financial metrics. The index performance will be calculated using systematic methodologies, rewarding positive plays while deducting points for setbacks. This structured approach not only ensures fairness but also aligns with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks, underscoring CME Group’s commitment to excellence and governance in financial transactions.

For more information on contract specifications, the product rollout, or how to subscribe to index data, please visit cmegroup.com/fspi.

CME Group stands at the forefront of trading future contracts across various asset classes, diligently empowering market participants globally to manage risks effectively while seizing opportunities. As a leader in the derivatives marketplace, CME Group continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of its clients within the sports and financial industries.

By pioneering these index-based futures contracts for the NHL, CME Group is not just enhancing the trading landscape; it is also opening new avenues for fan engagement and revenue generation across the hockey ecosystem.

Stay tuned as we approach September 28—the milestone date for the NHL futures launch that promises to redefine the way the sport is perceived financially.

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In conclusion, as the NHL gears up for another thrilling season, this groundbreaking financial instrument will bridge the gap between sports passion and financial investment, encouraging deeper engagement among fans and stakeholders alike.