Sunrise, fla. — The National Hockey League is considering a return to Atlanta, despite two previous failed attempts to establish a franchise in the city. Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the possibility of expansion,emphasizing that the league is open to pitches from prospective ownership groups.

The Push for a New Atlanta Franchise

Vernon Krause, a prospective owner, recently stated that his group is nearing completion of its formal expansion proposal. krause Sports & Entertainment team has approved zoning and land ownership. Lawyers are working on final step… according to a tweet from NHL to atlanta. This progress signals a significant step towards bringing NHL hockey back to the Georgia capital.

BREAKING – In a recent interview with @Ria_Martin on 11 Alive, Vernon Krause discussed where The gathering is now and what the next steps are. Here’s the breakdown:

-Krause Sports & Entertainment team has approved zoning and land ownership.
-Lawyers are working on final step… pic.twitter.com/aqkzKg3SpI

— NHL to Atlanta (@NHLtoAtlanta) May 9, 2025

Past Failures Not a Deterrent

Atlanta’s history with NHL teams includes the Flames, who relocated to Calgary in 1980 after eight years, and the Thrashers, who became the Winnipeg Jets in 2011 after a 12-year stint. Despite these setbacks, Bettman believes the city’s current landscape is more conducive to supporting a accomplished franchise.

I think it’s a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left, in terms of how big the city is, how robust it is and the sporting interest, Bettman said Friday. I don’t think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back, if all of the other pieces that I referred to are put together.

Krause’s Vision: “The Gathering”

Krause Sports and entertainment is one of two potential ownership groups vying to establish an NHL presence in Atlanta. Krause revealed plans to build an NHL-quality arena and a surrounding district called The Gathering, featuring restaurants,shops,and residential units,in Forsyth County.

I think now the next step is for us to go up to New York and meet with the commissioner of the NHL and show him what we have in place with the county in hopes that thay vote for expansion, Krause said. This meeting is anticipated to occur after the stanley Cup playoffs.

NHL’s Expansion Criteria

While the NHL is not currently initiating a formal expansion process, Bettman emphasized the league’s openness to considering compelling proposals. We’re getting expressions of interest, Bettman said. We’ve talked to a couple groups. There have been some civic leaders that have been in with people who are expressing interest in owning a team and creating a facility. … We start with the four basic criteria: ownership,market,arena and what it would do to enhance the league and make it stronger.

Bettman outlined the key factors the NHL considers when evaluating potential expansion opportunities.

• Ownership: Strong, stable, and financially capable ownership group.
• Market: A viable and supportive market with a significant fan base.
• arena: A state-of-the-art arena suitable for NHL games and events.
• League Enhancement: The potential to strengthen the league’s overall position and appeal.

When somebody wants to make the case and come in and puts together all of the pieces, we’ll listen to it. If it makes sense, I’ll take it to the executive committee and than the board, Bettman added. He also clarified that the NHL has no set timeline for expanding beyond its current 32 teams.