The game is scheduled to be played on January 2, 2026, with the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
As part of a gentlemen's agreement between TNT and ESPN, who share American rights to the NHL and the College Football Playoff, TNT moved the Winter Classic out of the windows used by the Playoff quarterfinals, which now occupy all of New Year's Day afternoon and evening as well as prime time New Year's Eve.
[4] A special concrete-and-steel, climate-controlled dome will be constructed over the playing surface during construction, then removed at game time to shield the surface from Florida's tropical climate, in the hopes of avoiding rain damage or a repeat of the sun damage delays that had occurred with the 2021 outdoor Lake Tahoe games.
[2] In the United States, broadcasting rights to the game are held by TNT, with sister channel TruTV simulcasting, and streaming on Max.
In Canada, rights are held by Sportsnet with streaming on Sportsnet+; it is the last Winter Classic to be covered under the NHL's current English Canadian broadcast contract with Rogers Media, which expires in 2026.