In a move that has stunned hockey fans across British Columbia, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed yesterday that Vancouver Island is under serious consideration for the league’s next expansion team. The announcement comes after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations with a consortium of Canadian and American investors willing to front the estimated $800 million expansion fee.
“We’ve been impressed by the passion for hockey throughout Vancouver Island,” Bettman told reporters during an impromptu press conference in Victoria. “Our market research shows this region can support a franchise that would complement, not compete with, the Vancouver Canucks.”
The potential ownership group includes tech billionaire Marcus Chen and former NHL star Pavel Bure, who has maintained strong ties to British Columbia since his playing days. Their proposal centers on a new 18,500-seat arena in Victoria’s downtown harbor district, with construction potentially beginning as early as next spring.
Mayor Eliza Thompson called the development “transformative” for Victoria’s economy. “Beyond the 2,800 construction jobs, a permanent NHL franchise would create approximately 1,200 full and part-time positions while generating an estimated $95 million annually in economic activity,” she explained.
Not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the proposed arena’s waterfront location, while some residents worry about increased traffic and potential gentrification of surrounding neighborhoods. The Canucks organization has remained notably silent on the potential of sharing the provincial hockey market.
Hockey analyst Trevor McKenzie from CO24 Sports believes the expansion makes strategic sense. “Vancouver Island has over 850,000 residents, plus a significant tourism industry. The NHL has proven smaller markets like Winnipeg can thrive with passionate fan bases, and the geographical isolation actually works in their favor by creating a captive audience.”
The economic implications extend beyond hockey. As detailed in our CO24 Business section last week, professional sports franchises typically increase property values within a 3-kilometer radius of new arenas by 13-17% within five years.
First Nations leaders from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations have requested formal consultation about the arena plans, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous inclusion from the project’s inception. “This territory has cultural and historical significance that must be respected,” stated Elder Robert Samson. “We see opportunity for partnership, not just approval.”
League sources indicate the NHL Board of Governors will vote on the expansion at their December meeting, with a final decision expected before February’s All-Star break. If approved, the Vancouver Island franchise would begin play in the 2026-27 season, becoming Canada’s eighth NHL team.
As this story continues to develop, CO24 Breaking News will provide updates on public consultations, environmental assessments, and the potential naming competition that franchise officials hint will engage local communities across the island.
What seemed unimaginable just years ago—a second NHL franchise in relatively small British Columbia—suddenly appears not just possible, but probable. The question now becomes: can Vancouver Island sustain the professional hockey dream, or will this ambitious venture melt before reaching the ice?
