New Orleans could be one step closer to landing a National Hockey League team, as reports confirm that a group has met with the NHL about potential expansion to the Big Easy. The development, first reported by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, has already gained high-profile support, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Weekes revealed Wednesday that NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and other league officials recently met with an undisclosed group interested in bringing an NHL team to New Orleans. The meeting took place at the NHL’s headquarters in New York, but details about who was involved or their ties to the city remain unknown.
Doug Thornton, Executive Vice President of ASM Global—the company that operates the Smoothie King Center—stated he had not been contacted by any group regarding an NHL franchise. However, the meeting confirms that there is legitimate interest in bringing pro hockey to Louisiana.
Governor Jeff Landry wasted no time throwing his support behind the effort, taking to social media to endorse the idea of an NHL team in New Orleans.
"It’s time Louisiana has an @NHL Team," Landry posted on X (formerly Twitter). "The economic impact would be substantial, and having the Stanley Cup in the Big Easy would be a win for all!"
Landry’s backing could be a key factor in pushing the initiative forward, as political and financial support often play a major role in sports expansion.
While the interest is clear, there’s no guarantee the NHL will bring a team to New Orleans. Commissioner Gary Bettman has not committed to adding a 33rd franchise, though expansion remains a topic of discussion. Other cities, including Houston and Atlanta, are already preparing NHL-ready arenas, while Phoenix is also in contention to regain a team.
New Orleans does have hockey history, though its market for the sport is still developing. The city was home to the New Orleans Brass, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team from 1997-2002. The franchise was forced to fold when the Smoothie King Center (then New Orleans Arena) had to accommodate the NBA’s Hornets' move to the city.
Currently, Louisiana hosts minor-league hockey with the Baton Rouge Zydeco and Monroe Moccasins in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), as well as the Shreveport Mudbugs, a junior hockey team in the North American Hockey League.
While the potential for NHL hockey in New Orleans is exciting, there are some obvious challenges. The city’s corporate backing and long-term fan support will be critical factors. One former semi-pro hockey team owner in Louisiana, speaking anonymously, put it bluntly:
“Beyond the money, the question becomes: Does NOLA have the corporate strength and the hockey roots to support an NHL franchise?”
That remains to be seen. But with the Governor’s backing and confirmed interest from an ownership group, the conversation about professional hockey in Louisiana is officially heating up.
Gallery Credit: RACHEL CAVANAUGH

source