NHL Weighs Expansion to 33 Teams

The NHL Board of Governors has discussed expanding the league to 33 teams, the first time the topic has come up formally since June. No decision was taken.

Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the talks to Sportsnet. "I think everybody's kind of got a wait-and-see attitude to see what's proposed and what the pluses and minuses are. It's a multibillion-dollar transaction that impacts the rest of the league. There's a lot to be dealt with," he said.

Any expansion would need approval from three-quarters of the board. A new franchise would cost an estimated $3.5 billion, covering the entry fee and arena construction. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly met last week with a group led by American billionaire Dan Friedkin and received a detailed update on their work. Prospective markets under review include Texas and Atlanta, among other US cities.

Bettman said the decision would not be made overnight. The league is aiming to settle on a market for a possible new club by the end of the year.