IMO the fact that the MGM/AEG arena is 100% private funded allows the NHL to take the risk of putting a team in Vegas.
Even if the team fails, there is no public backlash or bad taste left in taxpayers mouths when left with an empty arena if the team eventually relocates. Nor is there promises made by the NHL to civic leaders that the team will stay long term to help pay off the arena
Unlike Glendale or Miami, the Vegas arena can still be profitable without a sports team as a primary tenant.
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