Indianapolis Among Five Cities Reported Interested In NHL Expansion

Indianapolis is among five U.S. cities expressing interest in acquiring a National Hockey League expansion team, alongside Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, and Austin, according to multiple reports including the Daily Faceoff and statements to the NHL Board of Governors. The expansion fee is expected to be around $2 billion, significantly higher than previous expansion fees paid by Las Vegas and Seattle. While Indianapolis is home to the minor league Indy Fuel, neither the Fuel nor Pacers Sports and Entertainment are currently involved in any NHL expansion efforts. The city’s mayor, Joe Hogsett, has not confirmed involvement but expressed openness to adding another professional sports team. A major challenge is the lack of a suitable NHL-sized arena, as existing venues like Gainbridge Fieldhouse require significant renovations or replacement, and the Fishers Event Center’s seating capacity is too small for NHL standards. Other cities, notably Atlanta, are actively preparing facilities, such as a $3 billion NHL-ready arena in Forsyth County, to strengthen their bids.