The NHL is expanding and the fee to join in is $500 million. That's a cool $16.667 million in cash for the 30 owners for each new franchise. Now, I've talked about this topic in the past and my opinion hasn't changed. One of the major roadblocks in Bettman's grand scheme is the situation between the City of Glendale and the Arizona Coyotes.
Las Vegas really wants an NHL franchise. The city is on the fast track for an expansion franchise. However, there is a rumor circulating that the Coyotes are relocating to Vegas. Since Vegas is a front runner for an expansion franchise (and a $500 million expansion fee), any current franchise relocating to Vegas is a problem (500 million problems). Of course NHL Commissioner Bettman denies any rumor and it very well may be just a rumor. The problem I have is that Bettman previously denied expansion rumors in 2014. That means Bettman has lied before but he may not be lying now because I have no idea.
What does all this mean? Who knows. My money is on the Coyotes relocating. Glendale terminated the lease at the Gila River Arena and the NHL is determined to keep them in Arizona. Going back to downtown Phoenix is a possibility but the arena where they'd play (came arena as the Suns) is not hockey ready. The NHL would like to have a franchise in Las Vegas, they'd like it a lot more if the city ponies up the $500 million expansion fee. It doesn't want Vegas getting a team for free, It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
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