NHL Readies Sun Belt Expansion, but Georgia Isn’t Done Deal
An Atlanta developer walked back a claim of a submitted expansion application.
The NHL is close to finalizing a 33rd team for its league, but Georgia is not yet involved in a deal. Shortly after announcing plans for a second Texas-based franchise by December, the league expressed doubt about a potential 34th team in metro Atlanta. An X account called NHLtoAtlanta claimed a Forsyth County expansion proposal had submitted a final financing packet, but the NHL has not formally received any applications from Atlanta-area entities.
Vernon Krause, leading the Forsyth County proposal, said a group remains interested in bringing hockey to the area. The NHL is targeting a 2029–30 start for its second Texas team, with Houston being the most likely location, while exploring a potential third team in Austin. Atlanta has two separate suburban entities pursuing a franchise, including Alpharetta's North Point Mall rezoning for a mixed-use development to support an NHL team.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is also under consideration, but the Atlanta situation remains far from a formal application phase.
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