Will Atlanta Get Another NHL Team? What Local Fans Should Know

For many Atlanta sports fans, the question “Will Atlanta get an NHL team again?” never really goes away. With the Flames (1972–1980) and Thrashers (1999–2011) both having left town, it’s natural to wonder whether big-league hockey could make a comeback in metro Atlanta.

Here’s a clear look at where things stand, what would need to happen, and what it means for you if you live in or visit Atlanta and care about NHL hockey.

The Short Answer: Not Yet, But Atlanta Is Still in the Conversation

As of now, Atlanta does not have an NHL team, and no official NHL expansion or relocation to Atlanta has been approved.

However:

• Atlanta is often mentioned as a potential future NHL market because of:
  • Its large and growing population
  • Its strong corporate base
  • Its transportation access, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• The league has shown an interest in Southern and non-traditional markets (like Las Vegas and Seattle), which keeps Atlanta on the radar.
• Local arena and ownership discussions in the suburbs—especially in Gwinnett County—have revived speculation about a possible return.

There is no guarantee Atlanta will get an NHL team, but the city and surrounding metro area are still viewed as a serious candidate if and when the league decides to expand or relocate a franchise again.

Why Atlanta Has Lost Two NHL Teams Before

Understanding the past helps explain the uncertainty about the future.

The Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)

• Played at: The Omni Coliseum in Downtown Atlanta (now demolished; the site is part of the State Farm Arena / CNN Center area).
• Main issues:
  • Financial struggles
  • Ownership challenges
  • Limited long-term fan base growth at the time
• Outcome: The team moved to Calgary in 1980.

The Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

• Played at: What is now State Farm Arena (formerly Philips Arena), 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.
• Main issues commonly cited:
  • Ownership instability and disputes
  • On-ice struggles and lack of consistent playoff success
  • Difficulty building a large, committed season-ticket base
• Outcome: The team moved to Winnipeg in 2011 and became the Winnipeg Jets.

For many local fans, the loss of the Thrashers still feels recent. That history matters when the NHL evaluates whether to come back to the city.

What Would Have to Happen for Atlanta to Get an NHL Team?

There are several major pieces that would need to fall into place.

1. A Strong, Stable Ownership Group

The NHL generally looks for:

• Wealthy, committed owners with a long-term vision
• Ability to absorb early financial losses
• Local or regional ties that help connect the team to the community

In metro Atlanta, that could mean:

• A major corporate-led ownership group (for example, similar in concept to how Arthur Blank owns the Falcons, though there is no indication he is pursuing an NHL team)
• A partnership involving local investors and arena developers, particularly in the northern suburbs

Without a clear, financially solid ownership group, the league is unlikely to move forward.

2. A Suitable NHL-Caliber Arena

An NHL team needs:

• Around 17,000+ seats for hockey
• Modern amenities and premium seating
• Reliable access to parking, transit, and nearby development

Currently:

• State Farm Arena is optimized for NBA basketball and concerts and is home to the Atlanta Hawks. It is technically capable of hosting hockey but would require scheduling and configuration considerations, and it is not set up as a full-time NHL facility.
• There has been talk of a new arena in the suburbs, particularly in Gwinnett County (such as around Duluth / Lawrenceville), where hockey interest has been sustained by minor-league and junior teams.

If a new purpose-built arena is approved and financed with NHL in mind, that would be a major signal that Atlanta is becoming a more serious candidate.

3. NHL Expansion or Relocation Decision

There are only two ways an NHL team lands in Atlanta:

1. Expansion

   • The NHL adds new teams beyond its current lineup.
   • Cities submit bids, often involving expansion fees and arena plans.
   • Atlanta would need to compete with other markets (for example, cities that are commonly mentioned include Houston, Quebec City, and others).

2. Relocation

   • An existing franchise moves from its current city.
   • The league reviews potential landing spots; arenas and ownership groups become key.
   • Atlanta would need a ready-made solution: approved arena, ownership group in place, and local government cooperation.

As of the latest widely known information, Atlanta is not officially selected for either scenario.

How Serious Is the NHL About Returning to Atlanta?

Public comments from league officials over the years have been cautiously open but not committed. The general tone has been:

• Recognition of Atlanta’s size and importance as a media and corporate market.
• Awareness that previous attempts struggled, especially in terms of attendance and stability.
• Interest in markets that offer:
  • Strong TV and streaming potential
  • Corporate sponsorships
  • Solid season-ticket base prospects

In practical terms for Atlanta:

• The city is not at the front of the line, but it is not off the list.
• The growth of hockey interest in the South (Nashville, Tampa, Raleigh) is a positive sign.
• Demonstrated fan support and youth hockey growth in metro Atlanta are viewed as encouraging trends.

Where Hockey Is Growing in Metro Atlanta Right Now

Even without an NHL team, hockey in Atlanta hasn’t disappeared. If you live in or visit the area, there are multiple ways to stay connected to the sport.

Local Rinks and Community Hockey

Some prominent rinks and programs include:

• Atlanta IceForum (Duluth)
  2300 Satellite Blvd NW, Duluth, GA 30097
  Hosts youth hockey, adult leagues, and public skating.

• The Cooler (Alpharetta Family Skate Center)
  10800 Davis Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009
  Known for youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, and open skate.

• Marietta Ice Center (Marietta)
  4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068
  Offers youth and adult hockey and learn-to-skate programs.

These centers help build the next generation of players and fans, which is something the NHL tends to watch in potential markets.

Minor and Junior-Level Hockey

Metro Atlanta has seen various minor-league and junior hockey teams over the years. While team names and leagues can change, these clubs:

• Provide more affordable, family-friendly access to live hockey
• Help maintain a hockey culture in the region
• Offer a way for fans to show there is real demand for the sport

If you’re hoping the NHL returns, supporting these teams when they’re active is one of the most practical ways to show that the market cares.

How Atlanta Fans Can Follow and Support NHL Hockey Today

While waiting to see whether a team returns, Atlanta fans still have plenty of options.

1. Watch NHL Games Locally

You can follow the league from Atlanta by:

• Watching nationally televised games on major sports networks
• Using legal streaming services that carry NHL broadcasts
• Visiting sports bars around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the suburbs that regularly televise NHL games, especially during the playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final

2. Attend NHL Games in Nearby Cities

Atlanta’s location makes it relatively easy to travel to existing NHL markets, including:

• Nashville Predators – Nashville, Tennessee
  A popular weekend trip for Atlanta fans; Bridgestone Arena is in downtown Nashville.

• Carolina Hurricanes – Raleigh, North Carolina
  Another regional option for big games or special events.

These trips keep you connected to live NHL action and can be a fun way to stay engaged while Atlanta’s future remains uncertain.

3. Support Local Hockey Programs

If you want to help strengthen Atlanta’s case for an NHL return:

• Enroll kids in learn-to-skate or youth hockey programs at local rinks.
• Join adult recreational leagues.
• Attend regional tournaments or showcase events when they’re hosted in area rinks.

A visible, vibrant hockey community in metro Atlanta is one of the clearest signals that the market is more prepared for a third NHL attempt.

Key Factors That Will Influence the NHL’s Decision on Atlanta

Here’s a concise view of what matters most to the league and how Atlanta stacks up.

NHL decision-makers will balance the positives (market, growth, corporate base) against the risks (past failures, arena uncertainty).

What This Means for You If You Live in Atlanta

For an everyday Atlanta resident or visitor wondering “Will Atlanta get an NHL team?” here’s how to think about it:

• Don’t expect an immediate announcement.
  Expansion and relocation decisions usually move slowly, over years, not months.

• Follow local arena and development news.
  If you start seeing firm plans for a new arena clearly tied to professional hockey—especially in Gwinnett or other northern suburbs—that’s a sign momentum may be building.

• Engage with the hockey that already exists here.
  Skating lessons, youth leagues, adult recreation hockey, and minor/junior league games all keep the sport alive in metro Atlanta.

• Stay plugged into official NHL news.
  Any real movement toward Atlanta would typically involve:

  • A named ownership group
  • Confirmed arena plans
  • Public comments from league officials

Until those pieces come together, an NHL return to Atlanta is possible but not promised. The city remains a credible candidate, especially if fan interest continues to grow and local leaders can present a strong, stable plan the league is comfortable backing.