Las Vegas is Probably Going to Get an NHL Expansion Team

The NHL is going to Las Vegas. At least the NHL has decided if they’re going to have an expansion team, that team will play in Las Vegas. This would make the NHL the first professional sports league to base a team in Vegas, the home of gambling! And speaking of big gambles, it might cost $500 million to be the guy to put a team there. Via NHL.com:

"Without committing to what the price might be, Bettman told a meeting of Associated Press Sports Editors on Friday that he’s consider a half-billion dollars a reasonable figure. That would be a significant increase from the $80 million price tag Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus and Minnesota each paid the last time the NHL expanded in the 1990s"

Luckily, the NHL appears to have that guy ready to cut a check – billionaire Bill Foley, who recently opened the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. Via CBS News:

"“I am the man that wants to bring hockey to the desert,” Foley said. “And we’re really, really close.” Foley is a multi-millionaire businessman who grew grew up in Ottawa, Canada, playing hockey. The West Point graduate now wants to drop the puck in his adopted hometown. “This is my mission. I’m going to be the majority owner of the team,” Foley said, adding that he wouldn’t confirm or deny that it would cost him $500 million. “It’s a lot of money, but it’s going to be fun.”"

Of course, no everyone is as optimistic as Foley. I mean, how could a team survive in Vegas, what with all the entertainment and dining options.