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4d ago

NHL Board of Governors Sets $2 Billion Minimum Expansion Fee, Pauses New Applications

Commissioner Gary Bettman said there are no active franchise bids even after the league secured a $7.7 billion Canadian broadcast deal.

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Oct 20, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The NHL logo is seen on the netting of a goal prior to the game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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Overview

  • The governors outlined a minimum expansion fee of $2 billion, more than triple the cost for Vegas and Seattle, and require prospective owners to invest at least $1 billion in arena development if needed.
  • Gary Bettman confirmed the league has no pending applications and is not initiating a formal expansion process at this time.
  • Six potential ownership groups were discussed at the June board meeting in Los Angeles, but no formal bids were launched.
  • Average NHL team valuations have surged to $1.79 billion—a 92 percent increase since 2021—reflecting rising franchise values.
  • The league bolstered its finances with a 12-year, $7.7 billion Canadian broadcast rights agreement and is set to unveil a new collective bargaining framework before the 2026-27 season.