The Atlanta Ready dream of an NHL team in Atlanta is heating up as Forsyth County pushes forward with “The Gathering at South Forsyth.” But with a staggering $2 billion expansion fee on the table, can a third attempt at professional hockey in Georgia finally succeed?
The debate over the NHL to Atlanta move is no longer just a “what if” scenario—it is a multi-billion dollar conversation. As we move through early 2026, local leaders and investors are staring down a price tag that has officially doubled since the Seattle Kraken joined the league. While the passion for hockey in the South is undeniable, the financial stakes have reached an all-time high.
The Cost of Bringing the NHL to Atlanta
| Feature | Details |
| Expansion Fee | $2 Billion (Minimum) |
| Arena Cost | ~$700 Million to $1 Billion |
| Project Name | The Gathering at South Forsyth |
| Arena Capacity | 18,500 Seats |
| Target Launch | 2028-2029 Season (Projected) |
The $2 Billion Expansion Fee: Why the Price Jump?
When the Vegas Golden Knights entered the league in 2017, they paid $500 million. Just a few years later, Seattle upped the ante with a $650 million entry fee. Atlanta Ready Now, any bid for NHL to Atlanta must contend with a staggering $2 billion requirement.
Why the massive jump? Commissioner Gary Bettman and league owners point to the booming valuation of sports franchises. With record-breaking media deals and a surge in global popularity, the NHL is no longer offering “bargain” entry points. For Vernon Krause and the Forsyth County group, this means convincing investors that a third try in Atlanta is worth a historic financial risk.
The Gathering at South Forsyth: A New Kind of Hub
The proposed home for the NHL to Atlanta expansion isn’t just a hockey rink; it’s a “live-work-play” destination. Known as The Gathering at South Forsyth, the $3 billion development spans 100 acres and aims to replicate the success of “The Battery” at Truist Park.
By positioning the team in the affluent northern suburbs, the group hopes to avoid the pitfalls that led to the departure of the Flames and the Thrashers. This location targets the core hockey demographic in Georgia, ensuring that the 18,500-seat arena remains a cultural landmark regardless of the scoreboard.
Competitive Bids: Forsyth vs. Alpharetta
The road for the NHL to Atlanta isn’t a one-way street. While the Forsyth project has cleared significant legal hurdles—including a voter-approved tax district—a rival bid is emerging just six miles south. Led by former NHLer Anson Carter, the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group is eyeing the North Point Mall site for their own arena.
This rivalry proves one thing: there is a massive appetite for professional hockey in Georgia. However, it also complicates negotiations with the league. The NHL typically favors “fully actionable” plans, and having two competing sites within minutes of each other could force the league to play favorites.
Why a Third Attempt Could Actually Work
Skeptics often point to the past when discussing the NHL to Atlanta. However, the landscape in 2026 is vastly different from 1980 or 2011. Metro Atlanta has grown into one of the top media markets in the United States, and the northern suburbs have become a hotbed for youth hockey and high-income families.
Furthermore, the new expansion criteria set by the league ensure that any new franchise has the infrastructure to survive. With a “shovel-ready” site in Forsyth County and a massive $2 billion investment, the NHL to Atlanta bid isn’t just about sports—it’s about a long-term economic engine for North Georgia.
The Financial Reality for Taxpayers
A major talking point for NHL to Atlanta supporters is the funding model. Unlike older stadium deals that drained general funds, The Gathering at South Forsyth utilizes a Tax Allocation District (TAD). This means the project is intended to be self-funded through the tax revenue generated by the new buildings themselves.
Forsyth County Chairman Alfred John has emphasized that residents won’t be on the hook for the arena’s construction unless an NHL franchise is officially awarded. This “team-first” funding strategy protects the local community while providing a clear path for the league to move in.
Conclusion
The journey of the NHL to Atlanta is at a crossroads. On one hand, you have a record-breaking $2 billion entry fee that would make any investor blink. On the other, you have a growing, hungry market and a world-class arena plan in Forsyth County that is ready to break ground. If Vernon Krause and his team can secure the necessary capital, the “Tre Kronor” of Atlanta hockey might finally find a permanent home in the South.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an official date for the NHL to return to Atlanta? No official date has been set, but developers are aiming for the 2028-2029 season as a potential target for an expansion team.
2. Why is the expansion fee so high? The $2 billion fee reflects the skyrocketing value of professional sports franchises and the NHL’s recent financial success with teams like Vegas and Seattle.
3. What happens if they don’t get an NHL team? The Gathering at South Forsyth project is designed to move forward as a mixed-use entertainment hub even without a hockey team, though the arena’s scale might change.
4. Where exactly would the new arena be located? The site is at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road in South Forsyth County, near the Alpharetta border.
5. How is this different from the Atlanta Thrashers? This bid focuses on the northern suburbs (Forsyth/Alpharetta) where the hockey fanbase is most concentrated, rather than a downtown location.
