Breaking: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Opens Door for Atlanta’s Third NHL Try After Virtually Confirming Prospective Owner’s Push for Expansion Team
Breaking: NHL Eyeing Atlanta’s Comeback, Commissioner Leaves Door Open for Expansion
Atlanta’s Growing Appeal
SUNRISE, Fla. — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has hinted at a potential return to Atlanta, with the city’s booming population and robust sports scene making it an attractive destination for a new franchise. The league’s commissioner dropped this hint while speaking with reporters ahead of Game 3 between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Atlanta’s metropolitan area now boasts a population exceeding 6 million, a significant increase from when the Flames and Thrashers called the city home. Bettman acknowledges the city’s growth, stating, "I think it’s a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left, in terms of how big the city is, how robust it is and the sporting interest."
Atlanta: A History of Hockey Attempts
Atlanta Flames (1979-1980): The city’s first NHL team, the Atlanta Flames, had an eight-year run before relocating to Calgary in 1980 due to financial difficulties.
Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011): The Thrashers lasted 12 years before becoming the Winnipeg Jets, also due to financial struggles.
However, Bettman seemed unworried by these past failures, indicating that the NHL isn’t using them as a reason to avoid Atlanta. "I don’t think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back, if all of the other pieces that I referred to are put together."
Prospective Owners Line Up
Krause Sports & Entertainment, one of two potential ownership groups, is leading the charge to bring an NHL team back to Atlanta. In a recent interview with 11 Alive, Vernon Krause, the group’s representative, revealed they have secured zoning approvals and purchased land in Forsyth County for an NHL-quality arena and a surrounding entertainment district called "The Gathering."
"We’ve purchased the land, we’ve secured the zoning, and now we’re ready to meet with the commissioner and make our pitch," Krause said, expecting this meeting to take place post-Stanley Cup playoffs.
NHL’s Expansion Criteria
Bettman emphasized that the league isn’t pursuing a formal expansion process at the moment but is open to listening to interested groups. He outlined four key criteria for expansion:
- Ownership: A committed and capable ownership group.
- Market: A strong, viable market for the team.
- Arena: A suitable venue for the team to play and events.
- League Enhancement: A positive impact on the league’s overall strength and growth.
"We start with these four basic criteria," Bettman said. "When somebody wants to make the case and come in and puts together all of the pieces, we’ll listen to it. If it makes sense, I’ll take it to the executive committee and then the board."
Did You Know?
The Seattle Kraken, the NHL’s most recent expansion team, began play in the 2021-22 season and has quickly become a success story, with high attendance and on-ice competitiveness.
FAQ
Q: Is Atlanta a favorite to get the next expansion team?
A: Bettman’s comments indicate that Atlanta is at least being considered, but no decision has been made yet.
Q: When might the NHL make a decision on expansion?
A: Bettman stressed that the NHL isn’t working on any specific timeframe for expansion, focusing instead on evaluating the current landscape and listening to interested parties.
Join the Conversation
What’s your take, 247Sports readers? Should the NHL give Atlanta another shot? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation! 🗣️⚾️🏒
Stay Tuned for More Updates
We’ll keep you updated on the latest news regarding Atlanta’s NHL expansion bid and other changes in the world of sports. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop! 📰🤘