The NHL is expanding to Seattle, with the board of Governors unanimously approving the city as the league’s 32nd team. Seattle is set to start playing in 2021, allowing time for arena renovations.
The team, as of now, remains nameless and will be Seattle’s first major winter sports team since the NBA’s SuperSonics left in 2008. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called it a historic and thrilling day for the league, expanding to a vibrant and rapidly growing city in North America.
Seattle has a proud hockey history with the announcement marking its official entry into the National Hockey League. Mayor Jenny Durkan revealed the news at a watch party, mentioning a unanimous vote that brought hockey to the city. The decision follows the impressive presentation by the Seattle Hockey Partners, led by Jerry Bruckheimer and David Bonderman, showcasing strong ownership and support.
