Tod Leiweke named CEO of prospective Seattle NHL franchise

Former NFL chief operating officer Tod Leiweke has been named CEO and president of the prospective NHL franchise expected to arrive in Seattle in the near future, he confirmed at a press conference Wednesday.

Leiweke's brother, Tim, is leading the charge for the $600-million renovation of KeyArena as head of the Oak View Group.

Tod has prior experience in the Pacific Northwest as the former CEO of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, and is excited to be involved.

"It's an incredible thrill to come home, Leiweke said, according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times. "Not just for me but for my family."

Seattle's group proposal to the NHL is still under review, though its expected to be awarded the league's 32nd franchise in June at a cost of $650 million. The goal is to have the team on the ice for the 2020-21 season.