Atlanta takes a huge step forward in potential NHL return
The National Hockey League doesn't currently have expansion on their radar, but in the next few years, it could become a reality.
Some reports have suggested that the next time the National Hockey League expands, the fee could reach as high as $2 billion USD, which is a massive jump from the $650 million USD that the Seattle Kraken paid.
From a financial standpoint, adding another two teams seems like a no-brainer, but where could those teams end up? One city that has popped up quite a bit throughout 2023 is Atlanta, Georgia.
Back in the Spring, it was reported that a developer is looking to build a Sports and Entertainment complex in South Forsyth county, which is roughly an hour north of Atlanta, that would include an NHL arena.
According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes, the possibility of the NHL returning to Atlanta for a third time took a huge step forward after they received state approval for the development of a Sports and Entertainment complex in South Forsyth county.
Re @NHLExpansion
I'm told South Forsyth (Atlanta) got through state approvals for their development project and seems to be the leader of the pack at this time of cities without an arena yet." Weekes said in a post on X on Wednesday.
The National Hockey League has had two previous teams in Atlanta, the Flames and Thrashers, both of whom didn't have great ownership groups, which led to them being relocated to Calgary and Winnipeg respectively.
Do you think the National Hockey League should expand to Atlanta for a third time? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL expand to Atlanta for a third time? | ||
| Yes, third times the charm | 12 | 7.9 % |
| No, there's other cities that deserve a shot | 130 | 85.5 % |
| Unsure | 4 | 2.6 % |
| See Results | 6 | 3.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
