NHL expansion team fees set to exceed $2 billion: Report

The NHL’s next expansion could come with a record-setting price tag, as league owners were informed this week that future franchise fees are expected to exceed $2 billion, according to a report from Sportico.

Though expansion isn’t on the immediate horizon, the topic was discussed during a league meeting on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

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According to the report, any new ownership group would need to pay at least $2 billion for a team and earmark an additional $1 billion for arena development or related infrastructure.

Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed there are currently no formal applications or active expansion efforts underway but declined to comment on the reported fee expectations.

The last two NHL expansion teams - Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights - entered the league with fees of $650 million and $500 million, respectively, suggesting a dramatic rise in franchise valuations.

Cities reportedly discussed as potential expansion candidates include Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Omaha. Atlanta, notably, has previously hosted two NHL teams, both of which eventually relocated to Calgary and Winnipeg.