The ECHL is making its return to Augusta, Ga. with former star quarterback Tim Tebow at the helm.
The ECHL announced Wednesday that a new team, in a city best known for hosting the Masters, will join in the 2027-28 season after the league’s board of governors approved the expansion application. Previously, the Augusta Lynx played in the ECHL from 1998-2009 before folding midway through their final season.
The new team is unnamed, but will be co-owned by 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and ex-NFL quarterback Tebow, and David Hodges the CEO of Hodges Management Group.
Now with 32 teams, the ECHL has the same number of franchises as both the NHL and AHL.
“The return of ECHL Hockey to Augusta is exciting on a number of levels,” said ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin. “The growth of the market and the newly constructed venue will make for a first-class entertainment experience, while also adding a great new rival city amongst our South Division. Furthermore, David and Tim’s ownership has been exemplary in Tahoe, and we look forward to their continued growth in the Augusta market, which allows for further solidification of developmental hockey in North America, as the ECHL will match the NHL and AHL in markets for the 2027-28 Season.”
This is the second ECHL expansion team Tebow has launched in three years. He helped bring a team to Lake Tahoe in 2023.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring hockey back to Augusta with our partnership group,” Tebow said. “We are excited to see this team bring people together from all over the country to enjoy camaraderie, competition, and community impact. Our desire is to make a positive impact both on and off the ice. We can’t wait for the puck drop in October of 2027!”
Tebow won the Heisman at the University of Florida in 2007. He went on to be a member of five NFL teams after being selected 25th overall by the Denver Broncos in 2010.
Tebow also gave baseball a shot, playing in the minor leagues from 2016-21 after signing with the New York Mets.
Hockey News