Overview
- Islanders co-owner Jonathan Ledecky said Gary Bettman told owners any future expansion would require a $2 billion fee plus a $500 million to $600 million equity commitment for a new arena.
- Bettman said the league has not opened an expansion process and will evaluate inquiries case by case, indicating no immediate action is planned.
- The proposed price marks a sharp jump from recent expansions, with Seattle entering in 2021 for $650 million and Vegas in 2016 for $500 million.
- Reports cite strong league revenues and labor peace with the NHLPA through at least September 2030 as drivers of higher franchise valuations.
- Atlanta and Houston continue to surface as potential suitors, though the elevated financial bar is likely to limit the field to exceptionally well-funded groups.