The National Hockey League will open its 2007-2008 season with games between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks in London on September 29 and 30, league officials announced here Thursday.

The first-ever European debut for the North American elite league will match the Southern California rivals at the O2 Arena being built by Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Kings.

Anschutz also operates the Los Angeles Galaxy team in Major League Soccer that will be the new home of England football star David Beckham once his contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of June.

"Our commitment to grow the game globally has never been stronger," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "The NHL is extremely proud to be represented in London by two great hockey organizations in the Ducks and Kings."

This will not be the first time the NHL has started a season overseas. The Ducks and Vancouver Canucks played two games in Tokyo to start the 1997-1998 campaign before the Olympic debut of NHL talent at the Nagano Winter Olympics.

In 1998, the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames opened the NHL season in Tokyo as well.

NHL teams have played in London before, though not regular-season games. In 1992, the Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens played two pre-season games at Wembly Arena, which one year later hosted two games between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.

"This a great honor for us," said Ducks general manager Brian Burke. "Showcasing a great rivalry between two clubs from the Southern California market will be terrific for the NHL."

American football will also turn to the home of the 2012 Summer Olympics for first-ever regular-season games in Europe this year when the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants meet on October 28 at Wembley Stadium.