Utah is making a strong push to attract a Major League Baseball team, with state lawmakers boosting efforts to secure an expansion franchise. The city of Salt Lake is also showing enthusiasm for an NHL expansion team. Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, mentioned that Utah's interest has been the most aggressive among other cities like Cincinnati, Houston, Atlanta, and Omaha. While there are no active expansion plans, preliminary interest has been received from these cities. Additionally, a proposal has been submitted to amend the Utah Constitution to allow a state-run lottery.
JUST IN: Utah Representative Kera Birkeland has submitted a proposal to amend the Utah Constitution to allow a state-run lottery. https://t.co/4OS5Q4gVdS
The NHL commissioner just called Utah’s bid for a team ‘aggressive.’ Here’s what else he said Story from @kelsey_dallas https://t.co/3UKIdMBbtm
Bettman mentions expansion talks with representatives from Cincinnati. Bill Daly characterized them as “early.” Clearly Salt Lake City has been the most aggressive candidate for an expansion team but Bettman said the NHL is not currently in an expansion mode.
Gary Bettman is asked question about Utah and discussions there (in relation to possible expansion there). Says no formal expansion plans. Utah interest been most aggressive. But also have interest from Cincinnati, Houston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Omaha.
Gary Bettman says there's no active pursuit of expansion, but beyond Utah, the league has received at least preliminary interest from Utah, Houston, Atlanta, Cincinnati (!) and Omaha (!!).
Bettman said Salt Lake City potential owner and the city have expressed “enthusiasm” about getting an NHL expansion team.
Utah's play to snag a Major League Baseball team received a boost from state lawmakers as the race to attract the league heats up, especially among Western cities jockeying for an expansion franchise. Link: https://t.co/NhZWoDzhtl