The NHL may be closer to its 32nd franchise, as an ownership group from Seattle have officially submitted their application.
An ownership group out of Seattle has filed and paid the $10M down payment for expansion. With rumors circulating that Seattle would be the newest NHL club, it’s no surprise that we’re hearing confirmation of their application.
It was reported earlier this season that the team working behind the expansion in the city filed trademarks for potential club names. Oak View Group, the team hoping to bring a hockey team to the city have also planned to vastly change the KeyArena through renovations. The group is also looking to bring professional basketball back to Seattle as well.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman downplayed the thought of having a team in the city earlier this season but changed his tune over the course of the year. Now, Bettman and the NHL granted Seattle the authorization to apply for expansion, and Oak View Group have done just that.
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