NHL Expansion Considerations for Atlanta
The NHL is currently requiring a comprehensive proposal from potential ownership in Atlanta before deliberating the possibility of adding an expansion team in the city. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly addressed this requirement in a statement to ESPN on Tuesday, emphasizing the necessity for a well-defined plan that can be presented to the league’s board of governors.
Current Proposals and Developments
In July, discussions took place with various groups interested in establishing Atlanta as the NHL’s 33rd team. However, Daly noted that these discussions are still in their early stages and no actionable proposal has emerged yet. Among the bids is one from Krause Sports and Entertainment, which is backed by plans for an expansive $3 billion development named The Gathering at South Forsyth. This development aims to include a new arena suitable for NHL games. A rival proposal is being spearheaded by the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, which seeks to develop land at the North Point Mall site, approximately 30 minutes away from the former Thrashers’ home arena.
Daly clarified that the NHL does not require construction to begin on either project to consider the feasibility of expanding into Atlanta. Instead, what is essential is a “fully baked plan” that outlines how the groups intend to proceed.
“Both groups have ambitious aspirations, but at this moment, we need a proposal that is more concrete than what we currently have in hand,”
he stated.
Atlanta’s Hockey History
Atlanta has a tumultuous history with professional hockey; it has lasted two attempts at hosting NHL teams — the Flames, who relocated to Calgary in 1980 after just eight years, and the Thrashers, who moved to Winnipeg in 2011 after an 11-season stint. Despite previous failures, Daly mentioned that shifting demographics and new proposed arena locations could help overcome past obstacles the NHL has encountered in Atlanta.
Future Expansion Possibilities
While the league hasn’t officially initiated an expansion process, it is open to listening to interested parties, with Atlanta and Houston emerging as the frontrunners in discussions among fans and media. Billionaire Dan Friedkin has been recognized as a prominent candidate to potentially bring the NHL to Houston, having reportedly had multiple discussions with NHL officials earlier this year.
Daly also expressed confidence in the NHL’s potential for expansion, citing a strong pool of skilled players that uniquely positions the league to grow.
“We have access to elite talent from all over, and at the right time and with the right circumstances, adding more franchises will not pose a problem for us,”
he remarked. The NHL’s most recent expansion increased the number of teams from 30 to 32, adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, with entry fees reaching $500 million and $650 million, respectively. Notably, the NHL saw its last full ownership transaction when Michael Andlauer acquired the Ottawa Senators for $950 million in June 2023.
