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Daniels: Why the NHL sees ‘an opening’ in Seattle

The NHL has a big economic opportunity in Seattle.
An aerial view of Seattle. (Credit; KING)

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KING 5 reporter Chris Daniels said the NHL currently sees an opening in the Seattle market, while the timeline for the NBA is longer-term.

Last week the NHL announced it will accept an expansion proposal from Seattle after the city council approved a KeyArena renovation plan.

“The NBA is in different economic standing than the NHL, doesn’t need to expand, doesn’t need to relocate right now, and so this is the opening for the NHL,” Daniels said on KING 5’s The Sound Podcast.

“This is why the NHL wants to come here before the NBA gets here. They want to get the ticket base built up, the corporate support, the suites, the new building, be the shiny new thing in town, follow the Sounders model, and hopefully for the NHL franchise and for the league, there’s long-term success out of that.”

“I think if they’re here second or if they’re here around the same time (as the NBA), it’ll be tougher for the long-term success of the NHL franchise,” he said.

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