EA Sports has already revealed some of the gameplay innovations that’ll be packaged with the upcoming NHL 26, with the latest being a list of changes to NHL 26‘s Be a Pro Mode.
EA Sports’ NHL 26 will be hitting shelves later this year, bringing a number of new bells and whistles to the series. Previously, EA revealed more details on the ICE-Q 2.0 system and its use of NHL EDGE data to inject realism into every iota of the title. Now, however, new information has been unveiled regarding the game’s Be A Pro mode, which has become something of a franchise staple, and how it’s changed compared to prior incarnations.
NHL 26’s Be A Pro Mode Explained
Throughout the history of NHL games, Be A Pro mode has served as a way to enjoy a dose of realism within the series’ virtual bounds. These modes take players through an entire career journey, from junior leagues to the NHL itself. Be A Pro modes have enjoyed improvements and changes with subsequent titles, and NHL 26 is set to be another case of this, bringing a helping of fresh polish to the mode.
Improved Superstar Journey
In the NHL 26 Be A Pro mode, the first notable improvement will be an entirely new starting point and a changed storyline (‘No more Pricey Pond hockey,’ as the devs have been saying). Rather, the game will include entirely new cutscenes, cinematics, and animations—all part of an effort to elevate the superstar experience. From draft day to trophy ceremonies, fans can expect far more from NHL 26‘s arsenal of cinematics compared to previous titles. Cutscenes for the player’s first-time locker room experience, tunnel walkouts onto the ice, and more will be part of Be A Pro’s revamped storyline.
Furthermore, the list of NHL 26 gameplay improvements extends to a complete presentation overhaul of the Be A Pro mode. For the first time in the mode’s history, players will be able to enjoy voice acting as part of the superstar career experience. The inclusion of voice acting is primed to enhance the feeling of all the mode’s new plot beats, including the Stanley Cup celebration and the intimate moments of camaraderie that follow. Moreover, facial animations have been done up to a new standard, with new face animations in every cutscene, alongside far more motion and authenticity within each animation.
Conversation Changes And Enhanced Media Experience
Visuals aren’t the only means by which Be A Pro will be feeling 26‘s improvements to the NHL series, as the dialogue of the mode will also be entering a new frontier. In NHL 26, each conversation will be consequential. The overall amount of dialogue has been cut down, and all that’s left are the points where the player has the most ability to put their hand on the scale. Every conversation counts, and they’ll all impact the many relationships players will need to balance—whether it be with their own brand, their coach, teammates, their agent, or the media.
Interaction with the media in NHL 26 has been wholly reshaped. New media scrums have been included, which are influenced by player action on and off the ice. Every response players give to the media, as with the rest of their relationships, will be impactful. During a hot streak, interacting with the media will provide much-needed levity to the player. However, sour turns in a player’s career can lead to talks with media personnel being some of the toughest conversations on their journey. Either way, players will have to contend with the media entity—and in a newly redone way.
NHL 26
- Released
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September 12, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Mild Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Engine
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Frostbite
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
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Yes
- Cross Save
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No
