Top NHL agent reveals two cities selected as frontrunners for expansion
Photo credit: ESPN
NHL expansion appears to be on the horizon again, with a prominent league agent disclosing that two U.S. cities are leading the race to secure new franchises.
While Salt Lake City was added to the National Hockey League via relocation this off-season, expansion seems to be next on the agenda. Given the substantial revenue new teams generate, it's no surprise the topic is front and center, with Allan Walsh hinting that 34 teams are coming soon.
"It's not a question of 'If?', it's a question of 'When?' for the next NHL expansion process, and we will reach 34 teams. I predict that the price to pay for each of the two new franchises will be $1.5 billion for the franchise purchase, more than double what Seattle had to pay in 2021."
- Allan Walsh
- Allan Walsh
While the league may have the talent pool to support additional teams, many agree that structuring the league into four divisions with eight teams each makes the most sense.
As for the potential locations, although cities like Quebec City and a second team in Toronto have been discussed, it appears the NHL is eyeing a return to Atlanta for a third time, with Houston also emerging as a big favorite.
The NHL's push for expansion is unsurprisingly driven by the financial benefits. Walsh projected that the franchise fee for the new expansion teams could climb to $1.5 billion, more than twice what Seattle paid.
"When it does those two expansion teams, I predict the franchise fee will be $1.5 billion, said Walsh. That's more than double what Seattle was."
This news won't sit well with fans hoping for a new Canadian franchise, but given the growth of both Atlanta and Houston, these cities seem like logical choices for the NHL.
If ownership groups in these cities can secure the necessary backing, it wouldn't be surprising to see the league grow to 34 teams by 2030. While Quebec could still shake things up with a compelling bid, if Allan Walsh's well-connected sources are accurate, the NHL will likely add two more teams in the U.S. before any Canadian city gets its chance.
| POLL | ||
8 SEPTEMBRE | 360 ANSWERS Top NHL agent reveals two cities selected as frontrunners for expansion Which of these cities is most in need of a new NHL team? | ||
| Houston | 55 | 15.3 % |
| Atlanta | 18 | 5 % |
| Quebec City | 259 | 71.9 % |
| Toronto | 28 | 7.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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