NHL 27 Brings Back Online Franchise Mode After 13-Year Absence

EA Sports has officially unveiled NHL 27, and one of the biggest announcements is the long-awaited return of Online Franchise. Reintroduced as Connected Franchise, the feature makes its comeback after disappearing from the series more than 13 years ago. It allows players to create and manage online leagues with friends, making it one of the most requested additions from the NHL community. The reveal marks a major step forward for the franchise as EA looks to deliver a deeper multiplayer experience.

The new Connected Franchise mode supports leagues with up to 32 human-controlled teams, complete with commissioner tools, customizable settings, and full-season competition. Rather than focusing solely on single-player management, the mode is designed around online play, giving groups of friends the opportunity to build and compete in their own hockey league. Alongside the returning franchise feature, NHL 27 also introduces authentic NHL coaching strategies, updated playbooks, and improvements to Hockey Ultimate Team.

Beyond gameplay additions, NHL 27 delivers a noticeable presentation overhaul. EA Sports has rebuilt arena visuals, refreshed broadcast graphics, and introduced a new commentary team to make matches feel closer to real NHL broadcasts. These changes are intended to enhance immersion while modernizing the series for current-generation consoles. The combination of visual upgrades and the return of Online Franchise has already generated strong excitement among longtime fans.

EA Sports has confirmed that NHL 27 launches on September 11 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with early access available for Deluxe Edition owners. More details about Connected Franchise and the game's additional modes are expected in the weeks leading up to release, but the return of Online Franchise alone is already shaping up to be one of the headline features of this year's hockey simulation.