According to sources, the NHL executive committee has approved the expansion bid backed by billionaire Bill Foley and will grant the city of Las Vegas a new franchise at the board of governors meeting on June 22. Two-thirds of the board will have to vote yes to make it official. And, of course, there is the matter of Mr. Foley writing that $500M check…
The other applicant, Quebec City, was done in by the sagging Canadian dollar, which was at 92 cents U.S. when this process started two years ago and now stands at 78 cents U.S. The rebirth of the city’s beloved Nordiques will have to wait for relocation or perhaps a future round of expansion.
The Las Vegas team, which could be called the Black Knights, will play at the recently-opened T-Mobile Arena and enter the league in time for the 2017-18 season, meaning an expansion draft will happen next summer. The Florida Panthers and all the other teams in the league will each lose player in that draft.
Vegas’ potential new team has already secured over 13,200 deposits for season tickets. Welcome to the fold, Sin City!
Do you think Black Knights should be the name of the Vegas team?
| Yes | 43 |
| No | 77 |