The Chicago Mercantile Exchange plans to launch futures contracts based on the performance index of NHL (National Hockey League) teams on September 28.

On August 11, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME Group), the global derivatives market, announced plans to launch the world's first index-based ice hockey futures contract (Hockey Futures) on September 28, pending regulatory review. This futures contract will commence tracking the CME FutureSports Performance Indexes (FSPI), which includes exclusive real-time statistics from the National Hockey League (NHL), starting from the 2026-2027 season, transforming official sports statistics into rules-based benchmark financial indicators. The index employs a systematic approach to scoring through a transparent statistical framework, where positive team performance earns points, while negative performance or errors result in point deductions. The computation methodology adheres to the financial benchmark principles established by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and is supported by publicly available governance and oversight procedures. According to the CME, the newly launched NHL hockey futures will be available in standard-sized and micro-sized contracts, with the former valued at 10 times the CME FSPI NHL index value and the latter valued at one-tenth of that index value. Investors will be able to engage in 24-hour real-time trading on regulated exchanges. Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equity, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group and Senior Managing Director, stated that by introducing the first large league futures contract tracking the NHL index, CME is integrating the principles and disciplines of regulatory markets into enterprises that need to manage pricing risks in professional sports. He noted that financial institutions, corporations, and individuals rely on CME's transparency and infrastructure to hedge risks associated with various investable assets. The new ice hockey futures will provide fans, sponsors, broadcasters, third-party venue operators, retailers, and food service providers with a capital-efficient way to hedge business risks related to the performance of NHL teams. Steve Byrd, Head of the FutureSports Partnership Business, mentioned that market participants and members of the sports ecosystem will have the opportunity to trade professional financial instruments based on real-time game statistics from each NHL team for the first time. NHL teams generated a record $1.53 billion (approximately HKD 119.34 billion) in sponsorship revenue during the 2024-2025 season and attracted over 23 million fans last season, setting the highest attendance record in the league's 108-year history. There is a high level of interest in such derivatives in the market, and the company is pleased to collaborate with the exclusive trading partner CME Group and the NHL to implement the relevant indices.