NHL expansion bid for Atlanta remains premature and incomplete
NHL officials confirm that Atlanta's expansion bid is premature and not under consideration yet.
NHL officials address Atlanta’s expansion bid
Recent reports claiming that a bid for NHL expansion in Atlanta was nearing completion have been labeled as premature by both officials involved and the league itself. Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, clarified that information circulating about the project, known as The Gathering at South Forsyth, was inaccurately stated on social media.
Expansion application phase non-existent
Krause stated, “Unfortunately, information shared during a recent community update was premature and incomplete, leading to inaccurate statements on social media.” This assertion was supported by NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who informed The Athletic that the application process for Atlanta’s expansion is “not even remotely close to an application phase.”
Overview of The Gathering at South Forsyth project
The Gathering at South Forsyth aims to create a multi-use arena and community space in Forsyth County, located north of Atlanta. This initiative represents one of two efforts currently targeting the construction of an arena suitable for an NHL team in the Atlanta area.
Competition from other projects
In addition to Krause Sports and Entertainment, another group is pursuing the development of an NHL arena by redeveloping The North Point Mall in nearby Alpharetta. Approval was granted by the Alpharetta city council for zoning changes aimed at facilitating this project. As of now, the NHL has not issued any expansion team to the Alpharetta group either.
Current NHL expansion outlook
The NHL is currently evaluating an expansion bid from The Friedkin Group, which is considering either Houston or Austin for its potential franchise. The prospective project represents a substantial financial commitment, with costs estimated at $3.5 billion for the expansion fee and arena construction. A final decision on this bid is anticipated before the end of 2026.
Atlanta’s NHL history
Historically, Atlanta has hosted two NHL franchises. The Atlanta Flames existed from 1972 until 1980, after which they relocated to Calgary. The Atlanta Thrashers operated from 1999 to 2011 before their move to Winnipeg. Both previous teams serve as reminders of the city’s complex relationship with the NHL.
Reporting for this story draws on Sportsnet.
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