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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is well-acquainted with the two finalists vying for an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas. Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Bill Laurie, who, along with his wife Nancy, previously owned the St. Louis Blues, are reportedly the last candidates standing for the Las Vegas NBA team, a venture that could cost around $13 billion, including the construction of a new arena.
The NBA is expected to reveal its expansion plans before the end of 2026, possibly within the next few weeks. Bettman, who was in Pittsburgh on Tuesday to watch the Golden Knights take on the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, stated that both men possess strong character and would likely succeed as NBA owners in Las Vegas.
“Bill ran a first-class organization (in St. Louis),” Bettman said of Laurie, who owned the Blues from 1999 to 2011. “We had no complaints about the things he did when he owned the Blues.”
Bettman has not discussed the possibility of professional basketball in Las Vegas with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and he remains neutral on which Bill would be more successful. “I think he’d say that first and foremost, he’s a basketball guy,” Bettman said of Laurie. “We wish him good luck. I won’t predict or prognosticate on how he’ll do or how another basketball team would do in Vegas. I’m more than happy with the Vegas Golden Knights.”
Back in 2000, Laurie made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the Vancouver Grizzlies and relocate the NBA team to St. Louis. The Grizzlies were eventually sold to Michael Heisley and moved from Canada to Memphis in 2001. Laurie also failed in efforts to acquire the Denver Nuggets and the Charlotte Hornets. When asked to compare the ownership styles of the two Bills, Bettman smiled and remarked, “I think Bill Foley had a little more success.”
Key Analysis
Bettman’s comments underscore the respect he holds for both Foley and Laurie, while also highlighting the differing trajectories of their ownership careers. Foley’s Golden Knights have enjoyed considerable success, including a Stanley Cup championship, whereas Laurie’s ventures in professional sports ownership have been more mixed. Bettman’s refusal to speculate on the NBA outcome reflects his diplomatic approach and focus on his own league’s interests.
On the topic of NHL expansion, Bettman offered no new information. Houston, Austin, Texas, and Atlanta have been frequently mentioned as potential candidates if the league decides to expand beyond its current 32 teams. “Still working through it,” he said.
Regarding current league matters, Bettman was asked about empty seats in NHL arenas this season, which some attribute to rising costs and a struggling economy. The Golden Knights’ sellout streak ended last month after 420 games, including playoffs, when only 15,977 fans attended a Thursday night game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at T-Mobile Arena, which officially seats 17,367 for hockey. “Overall, attendance is up,” Bettman said. “You’ve had a couple of instances where you’ve had some empty seats. But it’s not the same reason in each place. But attendance is up.”
Originally reported by yahoo.