Report: Wayne Gretzky joins group of investors 'hoping to bring' NHL to Seattle
Many credit Wayne Gretzky for the growth of hockey in southern California. Now, "The Great One" is reportedly interested in bringing a franchise to the Pacific Northwest.
Gretzky has joined a group of investors "hoping to bring a National Hockey League team to Seattle", the New York Post reports.
It is not known whether the group plans on pursuing a team via expansion or relocation.
Meanwhile, a source close to the NHL legend downplayed Gretzky's involvement.
Source in Gretzky group down plays 99's role in any attempt to put a team in Seattle..."Seattle is along way off with a lot of hurdles" 1/2
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) July 5, 2014
Gretzky source tells Sportsnet: "Potential ownership groups have reached out, but we certainly haven't aligned with anyone" 2/2
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) July 5, 2014
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in May that the league was "not in an expansion process".
This would be the second attempt at NHL ownership for the league's all-time points leader.
Gretzky joined the New York-based Providence Equity Partners in a failed $1.5 billion bid for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in 2011.
Chris Hansen is another candidate for NHL ownership in Seattle. Hansen is reportedly willing to finance a new arena, but only if he is able to secure an NBA franchise to play there first.
“He needs a[n NBA] team to get the arena off the ground,” a source close to the situation told the Post.