Blackhawks to host 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field against Blues in 2024 (& 2 NCAA doubleheaders)

[JMCx4]

More than zero chance - the NHL loves these tie-ins, it makes for a good story, and the rink's already built.

The Ohio State vs Wisconsin (women's) game will feature a LOT of future PWHL players. Maybe the NHL/Hawks are going for the "prospects" angle with all four college matches.

 

[IU Hawks fan]

More than zero chance - the NHL loves these tie-ins, it makes for a good story, and the rink's already built.

Big Ten & the Cubs are renting the rink and all the equipment from the NHL and sharing revenue. Cubs partnered with the Big Ten to maximize profits, by drawing in several fanbases.

Whether the NHL would like the tie-in or not is irrelevant, the Cubs control the building beyond the 1 day the NHL has rented it. There's just not enough money to be made or benefit to be had for the Cubs from a women's hockey game (now, if the Cubs owned the team, like they do the NWSL team, that'd be another story).