ECHL Approves Tim Tebow-Backed Augusta Expansion Team

The ECHL is expanding to 32 teams by the 2027-28 season with a new franchise in Augusta, Georgia, co-owned by former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow alongside businessman David Hodges. The team will play in the newly constructed 10,500-seat New Augusta Arena, which is being developed with significant investment and will include an ice rink managed by Oak View Group. This marks Tebow's second ECHL ownership venture, having previously helped launch the Tahoe Knight Monsters. The return of professional hockey to Augusta revives a market that previously hosted the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx and the SPHL’s Augusta RiverHawks. ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin praised the ownership group and market growth, emphasizing the league's goal to match NHL and AHL team counts and strengthen developmental hockey in North America. Tebow expressed excitement about bringing hockey back to Augusta, aiming to create community impact and camaraderie through the new franchise.