Insider reveals NHL expansion on the way, predicts the two front runners to land a new team

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Tom Banks
September 19, 2024 (10:20 PM)

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The NHL has been expanding rapidly in recent years, and now according to one report, more teams could be on the way very soon.

Since 2017, the NHL has seen not one but two new teams enter the league, tying them with the NFL for the most teams in a league in North America, but from all reports, it appears that the league doesn't want to stop there. With the Seattle Kraken's entry fee into the NHL coming in at $650 million, it's clear that the NHL sees how much of a money maker a new team can be, and now, a report has dropped stating that the league are on the verge of approving not one more team, but two more in the near future.

Unsurprisingly, the two cities named as front runners to land those new teams are Atlanta (for the third time) and Houston, both of whom have been in the race from the moment teams No. 33 and 34 became potential options. Ever since the departure of the Atlanta Thrashers, the city have wanted a return to join the Falcons, Braves and Hawks in the cities sports culture, and now, third time may be the charm as the NHL are likely heading back there.

As for Houston, it makes sense that the NHL want to expand in Texas given that they have two MLB and NFL teams, along with three NBA teams, showing that if they can make their mark early, the fans are there to be catered too.

Ultimately, fans may not want to see the NHL continuing to expand, but the owners and the league will follow the money, which is in expansion nowadays, so don't be surprised if we see two new teams in the league over the next five years.

Source: Blade of Steel
Insider says NHL expected to open formal expansion process soon, reveals 2 front-runners