NHL: Atlanta awaits formal expansion proposal, says Bill Daly

NHL Evaluates Expansion in Atlanta: Solid Plan Required

The NHL is considering the possibility of expanding to Atlanta, but Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has made it clear that a “fully developed plan” is needed from a group of owners before the league’s board of governors can make a decision. Daly revealed that the NHL met with several groups in July that are looking to make Atlanta the league’s 33rd team. However, these conversations have not yet progressed enough to present a formal proposal. One of the proposals comes from Krause Sports and Entertainment. In addition, Forsyth County has approved plans for a $3 billion development called The Gathering at South Forsyth, which would include a stadium with NHL capacity. There is another proposal from Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, which seeks to develop the North Point Mall site in Alpharetta, about 30 minutes from where the Thrashers used to play.

We need a plan that is a little more viable than what we currently have.

Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner

Daly explained that it is not necessary for the construction of any of the proposed projects to begin for the expansion of Atlanta to be considered. What is crucial is to have a detailed and viable plan. The NHL has previously tried to establish hockey in Atlanta, first with the Flames and then with the Thrashers, but both teams moved to other cities. Daly has previously mentioned that changes in the city’s demographics and business community, as well as the proposed locations for a new stadium, could help the NHL overcome the challenges it faced in the past. In June, the NHL indicated that it has not initiated a formal expansion process, but is listening to expressions of interest from potential owners and cities. Atlanta and Houston have received the most attention. The NHL is in a favorable position for further expansion due to its large player pool. The league went from 30 to 32 teams with the addition of Vegas in 2017-18 and Seattle in 2021-22. The expansion fee was $500 million for Vegas and $650 million for Seattle. The most recent property sale in the NHL was when Michael Andlauer bought the Ottawa Senators in June 2023 for $950 million.