Quote:
Originally Posted by valo403
Not really. San Jose didn't have an arena when they were awarded an expansion team, but part of the deal was solid assurances that the arena would be built. The same situation has played out with many other expansion teams in many professional sports.
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I think the difference is that back then the league was actively looking to expand. Right now, Bettman continues to preach "were not looking for relocation or expansion."
Obviously, Winnipeg shows us that Bettman's hand can be forced if there is a true losing market and a city ready to take them. However, I'm not convinced Bettman will allow a franchsie to move to Seattle without an arena.
Now, if the league agrees in principle to a 2015 expansion of Seattle and Quebec City soon, that would give them enough time to build the arena. However, historically have we ever seen an expansion announced 3 years out? In any sport?