EDITORIAL: NHL should officially consider Las Vegas expansion

The incredible effort by billionaire Bill Foley to bring an expansion National Hockey League franchise to Las Vegas is even more impressive considering the NHL hasn’t officially declared it’s expanding.

That should change today when the National Hockey League Board of Governors meets in Las Vegas ahead of the annual NHL Awards show at the MGM Grand Garden. Expansion is on the agenda, and the league has nothing to lose by starting the process and formally vetting Mr. Foley’s bid. After all, the case for a Las Vegas team is all wrapped up — with a pretty bow to boot.

Mr. Foley gained Commissioner Gary Bettman’s blessing before launching a season ticket drive to prove that Las Vegas residents — not just visitors — would support a team. Mr. Bettman then helped promote the launch of that drive by touring the construction site of the $375 million Strip arena being built by MGM Resorts International and AEG, which would serve as the team’s home ice. Mr. Foley and ownership partners Joe and Gavin Maloof say that drive resulted in more than 13,000 season ticket deposits.

A sound ownership group? Check. A state-of-the-art arena with top-tier management and no dependence on taxpayer subsidies? Check. Local fan support? Check.

It’s been 15 years since the NHL last expanded, and it’s no secret the league would like to add two more teams to balance its conferences (The Western Conference has 14 teams and the Eastern Conference has 16). Unlike other Western cities that might vie for a new NHL franchise, Las Vegas has no big-league teams. The NHL would be able to plant its flag on unclaimed soil.

Make it official, NHL. Tell Las Vegas you’re ready to grow. Because we’re ready to help.