A Musical Boost for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The National Hockey League has announced a partnership with Amazon Music that will see rapper and singer Jelly Roll supply the official theme song for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Titled "Rise Up," the track is designed to capture the intensity of the postseason and will be woven into live broadcasts, arena soundscapes and social‑media promotions.
From the opening game of the Western Conference Final, the song made its debut alongside a high‑energy music video that intercuts Jelly Roll’s performance with iconic Stanley Cup moments and highlights from the league’s biggest stars. The visual, shot in New York, underscores the crossover appeal the NHL is seeking as it looks to broaden its audience beyond the rink.
In addition to the video, a short documentary chronicling the creation of the anthem will arrive in June. The film follows Jelly Roll alongside NHL veterans Jack Eichel and Seth Jarvis, offering fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the collaboration came together and what the song means to the players who chase the Cup.
Steve Mayer, President of NHL Content and Events, praised the initiative, saying the partnership ‘elevates the playoff experience by marrying the raw energy of hockey with original music.’ Tom Winkler, Head of Publisher at Amazon Music, added that the collaboration also supports a broader program in which NHL players are curating personalized soundtracks for fans on the platform, turning the playoffs into a curated musical journey.
For Jelly Roll, the project is more than a commercial tie‑in; he described "Rise Up" as a tribute to the grind of athletes fighting for the championship. ‘I wanted to write a song that reflects the relentless drive of these players,’ he said, noting that the track’s beat mirrors the fast‑paced rhythm of the game.