EA Sports confirms Connected Franchise mode and new gameplay features for NHL 27

EA Sports has revealed a new Connected Franchise mode for NHL 27, introducing a shared online league where up to 32 players can compete while managing their own teams.

ACcording to the company, the new mode lets players create, customise and run online leagues with flexible scheduling, commissioner controls and detailed roster management.

In a press release, Mike Inglehart, senior game design director for NHL 27, said: “Our goal for EA SPORTS NHL 27 is to deliver a game where players will feel the change the moment they take the ice.”

“Every arena atmosphere and broadcast visual has been engineered to showcase a true-to-life team feel. We know the proof is in the playing, and we cannot wait for fans to experience this game's energy for themselves.”

The game will also feature 32 authentically recreated NHL arenas, updated pre-game presentations, goal songs and redesigned crowds and commentary will once again be provided by John Buccigross and Darren Pang.

Cover athlete Macklin Celebrini praised the game's attention to detail in the press release.

“Seeing the Shark Tank brought to life like that is honestly unreal,” he said.

“They really captured the atmosphere. Sharks fans are going to load it up and feel like they’re right there in the building with us, and that’s pretty special.”

EA Sports confirmed NHL 27 will launch on 11 September 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.