The dream of NHL Seattle could become a reality as soon as this December. President and CEO of the bid Tod Leiweke said on Seattle’s 950 KJR that he will meet with the league’s executive committee in New York City. That meeting will be in October.
The meeting will involve a presentation to the committee and could make their case in front of all the owners at the Board of Governors meeting in December.
NHL Seattle to Make Presentation
Demand for a franchise in the Pacific Northwest was great as there have been 32,000 season-ticket deposits. Seattle hasn’t had a winter sport since the Seattle SuperSonics of the NBA was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.
There was hope that the ownership group, which includes David Bonderman and Hollywood mogul Jerry Bruckheimer, would meet in the summer, but that was put off until the fall. Leiweke said the extra time was beneficial in getting their bid more prepared.
Leiweke’s older brother, Tim, is a former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Leiweke is ready to pitch the concept of hockey in Seattle.
“I’ve never prepared like this for a presentation or meeting, and I’ve had a few in my career,” Leiweke said. “This is an important moment because we owe it to the city to do our best. There’s so much excitement and those 32,000 depositors absolutely deserve us getting up there that day and giving it everything we’ve got.”
What It Means for the Future
Seattle has been a top five market for NHL TV ratings in the past. It seems logical that the league would expand there.
There would be a ready-made rivalry with geographic neighbors like the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks and others. Seattle embraces their sports teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, Storm and Sounders.
MAIN PHOTO: Stormy Sky, Space Needle, Seattle, Washington, America
