Atlanta overcomes major hurdle to getting their 3rd chance at an NHL franchise

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Josh Tupper
October 5, 2023 (11:07)

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According to the National Hockey League they don't currently have expansion on their radar. However, that hasn't stopped some cities from making their case. While the league doesn't intend to expand now, they may on a few years.

Recent reports suggest that the next time the National Hockey League expands, the fee will be in the neighborhood of $2 billion USD. The new asking price will represent a massive jump from the $650 million USD that the Seattle Kraken paid.

From a financial standpoint, adding another two teams seems like a no-brainer, but where could those teams end up? One city that has become front and center in 2023 is Atlanta, Georgia.

Earlier this year, it was reported that a developer was looking to build a Sports and Entertainment complex in South Forsyth county, roughly an hour North of Atlanta. This facility would include an NHL quality arena.

According to Kevin Weekes if ESPN, the possibility of the NHL returning to Atlanta for a third time received a major boost after they received State approval for the development of a Sports and Entertainment complex in South Forsyth county.

"**Keep an eye 👁️ on**
Re @NHLExpansion
I'm told South Forsyth (Atlanta) got through state approvals for their development project and seems to be the leader of the pack at this time of cities without an arena yet." Weekes said in a post on X on Wednesday.

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The National Hockey League has put two previous teams in Atlanta, the Flames and Thrashers, both of which were plagued by major ownership issues, which led to their ultimate relocation.

Do you think the National Hockey League should expand to Atlanta for a third time? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!

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POLL
OCTOBRE 5 \| 187 ANSWERS Atlanta overcomes major hurdle to getting their 3rd chance at an NHL franchise Should the NHL expand to Atlanta for a third time?
Yes, third times the charm	58	31 %
No, there's other cities that deserve a shot	108	57.8 %
Unsure	11	5.9 %
See Results	10	5.3 %
List of polls

Atlanta overcomes major hurdle to getting their 3rd chance at an NHL franchise

According to the National Hockey League they don't currently have expansion on their radar. However, that hasn't stopped some cities from making their case. While the league doesn't intend to expand now, they may on a few years.

Should the NHL expand to Atlanta for a third time?