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NHL Allows Seattle To Apply For Expansion Team With KeyArena Renovation Deal Done
The NHL announced an expansion process Thursday that "likely will lead" to Seattle gaining the league's 32nd franchise, according to a front-page piece by Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the NHL has "received a request to file an expansion application" from TPG Capital Partner David Bonderman and filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer, who have already "partnered" with Oak View Group. OVG earlier this week <a href="http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2017/12/05/Facilities/Key-Arena" target="_blank">finalized a deal</a> with the city for a $600M renovation of KeyArena. The NHL has "agreed to review the application," has set a $650M expansion fee and "now will gauge progress by the Seattle group in coming months before deciding whether to award a franchise." Bettman said, "We've agreed as a league to take and consider an expansion application and to let them run -- at some point in the next few months -- a season-ticket drive." Baker notes the process will be "similar" to what the Golden Knights did "ahead of being awarded an NHL expansion team." Bettman reiterated that the process is "exclusively about Seattle when asked whether Quebec City might again be considered." Bettman also mentioned that relocation of one or more teams is "still on the table and did not rule that out." A renovated KeyArena is "not expected to be ready" until October '20 at the earliest, leaving "no place to accept a relocated team in the short term." The league also would stand to "gain double in expansion fees what it would get from any group offering to take in a relocated team" ( <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/hockey/nhl-says-seattle-can-apply-for-franchise-start-season-ticket-drive/" target="_blank">SEATTLE TIMES, 12/8</a> ).
