Hockey Analyst leaks NHL's intention to expand league beyond the current 32 teams

Under his guardianship, the often-criticized NHL commissioner has seen the league's revenues grow from $72M in 1993, to $7B in 2025, as well as seeing a significant increase in player salaries.

Yet, while there is no doubting the financial health of the NHL, there has been continuous controversy with respect to Gary Bettman's team-expansion plan into non-traditional hockey markets, like the Sun Belt.

Now, according to a recent leak by John Shannon, in five years the NHL expects to have expanded beyond the current 32 teams, to 34, by including Atlanta in 2028, and either Houston or Phoenix in 2030. Phoenix's bid is contingent on an arena. According to reports, the Forsyth County Commission in Atlanta has approved a $3B project that includes the construction of an NHL-ready arena.

Some have argued that the NHL's expansion has diluted the talent pool in the league, and aren't too excited about expansion.

Since the NHL's first expansion in 1967, skill has actually improved as has the overall quality of the typical NHL player. This has also been the case with subsequent expansions, in 2017 with the addition of Vegas Golden Knights, and 2021 with Seattle Kraken. In 2024, Utah was added, though that was a relocation, rather than a true expansion.

According to Gary Bettman, there is no formal plan for an NHL expansion. He claims that any city's bid will be considered, if it meets the NHL's criteria for expansion.

I suppose it's just good business to consider all options; it's been the commissioner's way since 1993, when he replaced Gil Stein, and changed the top-boss' title from NHL President, to NHL Commissioner.