NHL opens application process for Seattle expansion franchise

The NHL Board of Governors has agreed to consider an application for an NHL expansion franchise in Seattle, commissioner Gary Bettman said in a press conference Thursday, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen.

Bettman said the expansion fee would be $650 million, which is $150 million more than Las Vegas paid.

The NHL will allow a potential ownership group, led by billionaire David Bonderman and legendary film and TV producer Jerry Bruckheimer, to file an application and then conduct a season-ticket drive, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

While this is similar to the Golden Knights' beginnings, it doesn't guarantee a team will arrive in the Pacific Northwest.

If a team was indeed brought to Seattle, it would be looking at the 2020-21 season to begin play, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.