• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

NHL Open To Expansion, Says New Entry Fee Would Be ‘A Lot’

  • The NHL is rumored to be exploring expanding beyond its current 32 teams.
  • Atlanta is seen as a frontrunner for expansion despite two previous failed franchises.
Seattle Kraken skaters celebrate with goaltender Martin Jones
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

We’ll see no expansion teams this NHL season, but speculation is growing that the league will soon explore further growth beyond its current 32 teams.

Last month, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly made some surprising but supportive comments about the perceived viability of professional hockey in Atlanta, sparkling new hope for the city that has twice seen an NHL team relocate for greener pastures.

Atlanta developers are considering a $1 billion project that includes an arena fit for an NHL team, among other uses. One report recently suggested that the project received state approvals — and that Atlanta appears to be the “leader of the pack” for NHL expansion among cities currently without a viable arena.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman wouldn’t confirm that expansion is imminent, but also wouldn’t shut down the idea. “We’re not there,” Bettman said. “We’re just getting expressions of interest.”

Bettman said a potential expansion fee would simply be “a lot.” The Seattle Kraken’s owners paid a record $650 million to enter the league in 2021. Vegas Golden Knights ownership paid $500 million in 2016 and debuted in 2017.

Houston, Salt Lake City, and Quebec City are other markets linked to possible NHL expansion.

North America’s Top Dog

Any further expansion would make the NHL larger than the rest of North America’s Big Five.

The NFL held that title by itself until the NHL added Seattle to make 32 teams. The NBA and MLB currently sit at 30 teams, but both are exploring expansion in the coming years.

MLS currently has 29 teams and will grow to 30 with the addition of San Diego in 2025.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Michael Johnson

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.
July 2, 2025

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.
Red Panda
July 2, 2025

Red Panda Hospitalized After WNBA Halftime Fall

The beloved performer was taken off the court in a wheelchair.
July 1, 2025

WNBA Roster Limits Under Fire After Vanloo’s Valkyries Release

Kaitlyn Chen remains on the Valkyries roster.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.