SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
US professional sports will come to the state of Nevada as the NHL granted approval for Las Vegas to launch a new expansion franchise aiming to join its league by the 2017/18 season.
The NHL Las Vegas franchise proposition received unanimous approval from a review conducted by its Board of Governors greenlighting the project for a Nevada-based franchise.
NHL officials rejected any concerns relating to gambling/betting impacting franchise integrity, a factor that has hindered Las Vegas pro-sports projects in the past. The move will therefore sees the NHL become the first of the four major North American professional sports leagues to put a team in Nevada.
The Las Vegas NHL franchise, which is yet to gain an official title has been spearheaded by Fidelity National (US mortgage broker) billionaire Bill Foley who will take the role of Principal Owner, who has committed $500 million to the project.
Updating the media, Foley stated that his preferences were on naming his franchise the ‘Vegas Black Knights’, with his advisors seeking to secure an official name early allowing for the franchise to sell merchandise early.
“Our great sports town now has a major league franchise, the NHL,” Foley commented on gaining approval
“It’s the best of the leagues. It’s a legendary league. Las Vegas is my home along with 2.3 million other people. We want everyone to be a fan. We’re dedicated to it. We’ll leave no stone unturned in our dedication and our pursuit of hockey here in Las Vegas, not just for our team, but for the community.”
