Seattle group to prepare NHL expansion application

Investment banker Ray Bartoszek and his Tukwila-based development group will complete a formal application to bring an NHL franchise to the Seattle area, reports Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced last week that the league will accept, and begin vetting applications for, prospective expansion franchises on July 6.

Though expansion isn't imminent, the league isn't short on particulars. Bettman suggested the earliest date for a new franchise to join the league would be for the 2017-18 season, and the price to acquire one would be upwards of $500 million.

Bartoszek is leading an effort to construct a multipurpose arena in Tukwila, which is located just south of Seattle.

Las Vegas, which has already began arena construction and a ticket drive, and Quebec City are other markets expected to be involved in the process.