10-05-2025
Gary Bettman says there's ‘interest' in potential NHL expansion to Atlanta, but no timetable
SUNRISE, Fla. — Gary Bettman says the NHL's two failed attempts at housing a team in Atlanta won't prevent the league from considering the growing push to bring another expansion franchise to that market.
The NHL commissioner made those comments just days after prospective Atlanta owner Vernon Krause told 11 Alive that his group was on the 'home stretch' of completing its formal expansion pitch.
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The NHL twice brought teams to Atlanta and saw them relocated. The Flames had an eight-year run there before moving to Calgary in 1980, while the Thrashers lasted 12 years before becoming the Winnipeg Jets in 2011. But those failed franchises won't be held against a city that now features a metropolitan population exceeding 6 million.
'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,' Bettman said Friday. '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.'
BREAKING – In a recent interview with @Ria_Martin on 11 Alive, Vernon Krause discussed where The Gathering is now and what the next steps are. Here's the breakdown:
-Krause Sports & Entertainment team has approved zoning and land ownership.-Lawyers are working on final step…
— NHL to Atlanta (@NHLtoAtlanta) May 9, 2025
Krause Sports and Entertainment is one of two potential ownership groups hoping to put down NHL roots in Atlanta.
During his recent interview with the Georgia-based TV station, Krause said that his group has purchased land in Forsyth County and secured the necessary zoning approvals to build an NHL-quality arena and a surrounding district called 'The Gathering,' which will feature restaurants, shops and residential units.
'I think now the next step is for us to go up to New York and meet with the commissioner of the NHL and show him what we have in place with the county in hopes that they vote for expansion,' said Krause.
That meeting is expected to happen following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Speaking before Game 3 of the Florida Panthers-Toronto Maple Leafs series, Bettman told reporters that the league isn't planning to launch a formal expansion process. But he made it clear that the door is open to those with interest to make their best pitch.
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'We're getting expressions of interest,' said Bettman. 'We've talked to a couple groups. There have been some civic leaders that have been in with people who are expressing interest in owning a team and creating a facility. … We start with the four basic criteria: Ownership, market, arena and what it would do to enhance the league and make it stronger.
'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.'
Bettman added that the NHL isn't operating on any timetable to expand beyond its current reach of 32 teams.
