NHL adds Seattle franchise, which will begin play in 2021
SEA ISLAND, Ga. — Seattle is getting a National Hockey League team. It simply will have to wait a little bit longer to drop the puck.
The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved adding Seattle as the league’s 32nd franchise Tuesday, with play set to begin in 2021 instead of 2020 to allow enough time for arena renovations. The as-yet unnamed franchise will be the Emerald City’s first major winter-sports team since the NBA’s SuperSonics left town in 2008.
“Today is a day for celebration in a great city that adores and avidly supports its sports teams and for our 101-year-old sports league,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Expanding to Seattle makes the National Hockey League more balanced, even more whole and even more vibrant.