“We’re getting expressions of interest”: Gary Bettman hints NHL's keen interest in coming back to Atlanta as expansion negotiations intensify

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has stoked new rumors surrounding the league's plans for expansion, affirming current talks with prospective groups of ownership looking to pursue a third time to bring pro hockey to Atlanta. With investor Vernon Krause closing in on presenting a complete expansion bid in Forsyth County, Georgia, the NHL is monitoring closely what may become the league's 33rd franchise—if all key factors fall into place.The National Hockey League soon could add another chapter to its complicated history with Atlanta, as there is increasing momentum behind a bid to bring a franchise to Forsyth County. Commissioner Gary Bettman admitted Friday that the city is highly on the radar of the league as a future expansion possibility. “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, the sporting interest,” Bettman said. “I don't think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back—if all the other pieces that are referred to were put together.” The most popular bid is being led by Vernon Krause, an Atlanta-area entrepreneur who recently informed 11 Alive News that his group is in the 'homestretch' of finalizing a detailed expansion package. That package includes municipal support, financial backing, land acquisition, and zoning approvals—essential ingredients for NHL consideration. “The next step is for us to go up to New York and meet with the commissioner of the NHL and show them what we have in place with the county in hopes that they vote for expansion,” Krause said. “There’s certain criterion that we have to meet to even apply for an expansion franchise. And that was purchasing land, getting the zoning that we needed. Both of those have been accomplished. Once we got the county vote, getting definitive documents done, which our lawyers are working on, that we can present to the NHL, talking with our investors that we’ve been talking with over the last couple of years, being able to present what I would call a completed package to the NHL.” Vernon Krause is confident thanks to a palpable head start—his team already holds land zoned for an NHL-sized arena and has county-level support. In contrast, another competing bid, headed by former NHL player and broadcaster Anson Carter on behalf of the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, is also under construction but is not as transparent about land or local commitments. Though no formal NHL expansion timeline has been released, Bettman affirmed that his office is actively engaging with parties interested in launching teams. “We’re getting expressions of interest. We’ve talked to a couple of groups,” Bettman confirmed Friday. “There have been some civic leaders that have been in with people who are expressing an interest in owning a team and creating a facility.” Also read: Hockey fans demand '4 Nations' return as Gary Bettman rethinks NHL all-star plans ahead of OlympicsFor Atlanta, however, the ultimate decision again depends on execution. Ownership fortitude, financial health, a new world-class arena, and league-wide strategic alignment continue to be non-negotiable standards. But following two unsuccessful attempts, Bettman's willingness and Krause's readiness imply that the third time could be the charm for hockey in Atlanta.