SEATTLE (AP) — The NHL is giving Seattle’s future franchise a reward for its investment in bringing the league’s 32nd franchise to the city.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday the league has promised Seattle it will host the All-Star Game within its first seven seasons, with the team slated to begin play in 2021-22. Bettman also says Seattle will host the NHL draft, and that event will likely be awarded before the All-Star Game arrives.
Bettman made the announcement as part of his first visit to Seattle since the franchise was approved in early December.
Seattle’s ownership group has put up over $1.5 billion in expansion fees, arena upgrades and a state-of-the-art practice facility.