Could America’s Finest City be ready to add another jewel to its sporting crown? San Diego boasts a vibrant sports scene. However, the city has been without an NHL team since 1977 when the World Hockey Association’s San Diego Mariners folded. In fact, San Diego is currently the largest city in the U.S. without a championship in any of the “Big Four” major professional leagues. The city lost the Chargers and Clippers to Los Angeles. The Arizona Coyotes recently relocated to Salt Lake City. The NHL is keen on expansion. Could San Diego finally be poised to welcome an NHL team? As the third-largest market in North America without an NHL team San Diego presents a tantalizing opportunity for the league. This article explores NHL expansion in San Diego. It examines the city’s hockey history and the current state of the sport. It also looks at potential arena options, the NHL’s expansion process, and potential ownership groups. Further, it considers the potential fan base, economic impact, and challenges. 

A Look Back at Hockey in San Diego

San Diego’s hockey history is a tale of near misses and fleeting successes. The city experienced its first taste of professional hockey in 1944. This was with the San Diego Skyhawks of the Pacific Coast Hockey League. Over the years, several teams have called San Diego home, each leaving its mark on the city’s sporting landscape. The original San Diego Gulls of the Western Hockey League (WHL) skated onto the scene in 1966, playing until 1974. They were followed by the San Diego Mariners of the WHA from 1974 to 1977. The city also witnessed teams in the Pacific Hockey League. It also saw teams in the International Hockey League (IHL). Additionally, teams in the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) played in the city. Interestingly, both the IHL Gulls (1993-95) and the ECHL Gulls (2004-05) were affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks. This affiliation established an early connection between San Diego and the now-established NHL franchise.  

The WCHL Gulls shine brightly in San Diego’s hockey history. They captured five Taylor Cups as league champions. However, despite these moments of glory, San Diego has always fallen short of securing an NHL franchise. Several factors contribute to this. One is the lack of a suitable arena. Another is the competition from other Southern California teams. There is also a perceived lack of interest in hockey in a city renowned for its sunny weather and beaches. But times have changed, and San Diego may now be a more attractive proposition for the NHL.  

The Current State of Hockey in San Diego

Despite its lack of NHL representation, hockey thrives in San Diego. There is a robust youth hockey scene. San Diego also has a successful AHL team. A passionate fan base lays the foundation for a potential NHL franchise.

Youth Hockey Leagues

San Diego’s youth hockey scene is flourishing, with numerous leagues catering to players of all ages and skill levels. There are several examples like the Poway ICE program. Other examples include the San Diego Ice Arena (SDIA) program and the Carlsbad Youth Hockey League. These leagues offer a variety of programs. They range from introductory lessons for first-time skaters. They also include competitive travel hockey at the AAA level. The Rinks are recognized as a Model Club Association by USA Hockey, demonstrating their commitment to age-appropriate skill development.  

College Hockey

San Diego is also home to two college hockey teams. These teams are the UC San Diego Tritons and the San Diego State Aztecs. The Tritons compete in Men’s Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). The Aztecs play in the ACHA at Division I level. Both teams have a history of success. The Tritons boast four PCHA championships. The Aztecs reached the ACHA National Tournament in 2020.  

The San Diego Gulls

The San Diego Gulls are the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. They have been a resounding success since their arrival in 2015. Playing their home games at Pechanga Arena, the Gulls have consistently ranked among the AHL’s attendance leaders. In the 2019-20 season, they welcomed over 212,000 fans, bringing their all-time regular-season attendance total to over 1.4 million since their inaugural season. The Gulls have also been recognized for their exceptional fan experience, receiving the AHL’s Outstanding Fan Experience Award in 2020.  

The Gulls’ success is a testament to the strong appetite for hockey in San Diego. The team plays a crucial role in cultivating a local fan base and developing young talent for the Ducks organization. Their presence has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the sport at the grassroots level. They inspire many young players to take up hockey.  

Potential Ownership Groups

A strong ownership group with financial stability is crucial for any NHL franchise. The group’s commitment to the team’s success is vital. Quebec City’s bid for a team demonstrates this importance. Fortunately, San Diego has a few potential ownership groups that could step up to the plate.  

One prominent candidate is the Kroenke Group, led by billionaire Stan Kroenke. Kroenke has a proven track record. He owns and operates professional sports franchises. These include the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. His group is spearheading the Midway Rising project. The project includes a new arena. This makes them a natural fit for an NHL franchise in San Diego.  

Another a name that’s increasingly being floated in connection with this possibility is Joseph Tsai. Tsai is the co-founder of Alibaba. He is also the owner of the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the Long Island Nets (NBA G-League). He is a proven sports investor with deep pockets. He has a track record of success. His involvement in the NBA shows a clear interest in the business of sports. His experience with the Nets provides him with valuable insights into team ownership and operations. So, why San Diego and why hockey?

Several factors make Tsai a potentially ideal owner for a San Diego NHL franchise:

• Financial Muscle: Tsai’s wealth provides the necessary capital to purchase an expansion team. It also allows investment in the infrastructure, as well as marketing. It supports player development needed to build a competitive franchise from the ground up. This is crucial for long-term success in the NHL.
• Sports Business Acumen: His ownership of the Nets demonstrates a clear understanding of the complexities of professional sports. He has navigated the challenges of running a major market team. He understands the importance of building a strong brand. Additionally, he knows engaging with the local community is crucial.
• Global Vision: Tsai’s background with Alibaba gives him a global perspective. This perspective could be invaluable in growing the NHL’s reach. It is especially important in Asian markets. This could be a significant asset for a league looking to expand its international footprint.
• Commitment to Community: His primary residence is reportedly in California. However, Tsai’s involvement with the Nets suggests a commitment to the communities where his teams play. This is important in San Diego. Building a strong connection with the local fanbase is critical for establishing a successful franchise. He is also the current owner of the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

Of course, Tsai’s interest in owning an NHL team in San Diego is still speculative. He hasn’t publicly confirmed any intentions in this regard. However, the rumors persist, and the potential benefits for both Tsai and the NHL are undeniable.

The NHL’s expansion process is rigorous, and securing ownership is just one step in the journey. But having an individual like Joseph Tsai at the helm would instantly give a San Diego bid significant credibility. His resources, experience, and vision could be the catalyst that turns San Diego’s hockey dreams into a reality. The question remains: will he take the plunge? Only time will tell. But for San Diego hockey fans, the prospect of Joseph Tsai leading the charge is certainly an exciting one.

Former NHL player Anson Carter is involved in efforts to bring a team back to Atlanta. This demonstrates how former players can contribute to ownership groups.

Potential Arena Options

The lack of a modern, NHL-ready arena has been a major hurdle for NHL expansion in San Diego. Pechanga Arena, the current home of the Gulls, was built in 1966. Although it has undergone renovations, it lacks the capacity and amenities of most NHL arenas. However, several options are on the horizon.  

The Midway Rising project is led by the Kroenke Group. It is a game-changer for San Diego’s hopes of landing an NHL team. This ambitious project will redevelop a 48.6-acre site in the Midway District, with a 16,000-seat arena as its centerpiece. The arena is expected to be completed by 2025 and could be a perfect home for an NHL franchise. The project is a collaboration between the city of San Diego and the Midway Rising team. It includes plans for affordable housing units. These plans align with the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.  

Another intriguing possibility is Snapdragon Stadium, which opened in 2022 on the San Diego State University campus. This 35,000-seat stadium is primarily used for college football, but it could potentially be configured for hockey. Oak View Group has made a proposal to build a new arena for San Diego State University. This arena would come at no cost to the public. This proposal takes inspiration from the successful Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin. It could provide another viable option for an NHL team.  

While these larger venues are under development, the recently opened Frontwave Arena offers a smaller-scale alternative. This 7,500-seat arena is primarily designed for the NBA G League and indoor soccer. However, it could serve as a temporary home for an NHL team. This would be applicable while a larger arena is built.  

Arena Name	Capacity	Year Built	Current Use	NHL Suitability
Pechanga Arena	12,920	1966	San Diego Gulls (AHL), San Diego Seals (NLL)	Not ideal, lacks modern amenities
Midway Rising Arena	16,000	Expected 2025		Potentially ideal, purpose-built
Snapdragon Stadium	35,000	2022	San Diego State Aztecs football, San Diego Wave FC (NWSL)	Could be configured for hockey
Frontwave Arena	7,500	2024	San Diego Sockers (MASL), San Diego Clippers (NBA G League)	Potential temporary solution

The NHL’s Expansion Process and Criteria

The NHL has a rich history of expansion, growing from six teams in 1967 to 32 teams today. The league’s expansion process typically involves several steps:  

• Application: Potential ownership groups submit applications outlining their plans for a new team. These include arena plans. They also include financial projections and market analysis.  
• Evaluation: The NHL evaluates the applications and conducts due diligence on the potential ownership groups.  
• Expansion Draft: If expansion is approved, an expansion draft allows the new team to select players from existing teams.  

The NHL considers several factors when evaluating expansion applications:

• Market size and demographics: The NHL prefers markets with large populations and strong demographics. These include areas with high income levels and a significant number of hockey fans.  
• Arena: The NHL requires a modern, NHL-ready arena with sufficient capacity and amenities.  
• Ownership group: The NHL requires a strong ownership group with the financial resources and commitment to operate an NHL franchise.  
• Fan base: The NHL prefers markets with a strong existing fan base and the potential to grow the sport.  

The expansion draft itself involves intricate rules to ensure competitive balance. Existing teams can protect a certain number of players. They can choose either seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender. Alternatively, they can opt for eight skaters (forwards or defensemen) and one goaltender. Players with no-movement clauses must be protected. Each team must also expose a certain number of players. They must meet specific criteria. For instance, they must have played a minimum number of NHL games in recent seasons. The expansion team must then select one player from each existing club. They adhere to rules regarding the number of players at each position. They also follow rules about the aggregate salary cap value of their selections.  

Potential Fan Base

San Diego has all the ingredients for a passionate NHL fan base. The city boasts a large population, a thriving youth hockey scene, and a successful AHL team. The Gulls’ consistently strong attendance figures demonstrate a healthy appetite for hockey in the region. Furthermore, San Diego has a vibrant sports culture. Loyal fans support the Padres. They also support other professional franchises like the NWSL’s San Diego Wave FC and the NLL’s San Diego Seals.  

Grassroots efforts to bring the NHL to San Diego are also gaining momentum. An online petition calling for NHL expansion to the city has garnered significant support. This highlights the local enthusiasm for a potential franchise. This groundswell of support is evident. It is combined with the city’s strong sports culture. Together, they suggest that San Diego could readily embrace an NHL team.  

Potential Economic Impact

An NHL team could be an economic boon for San Diego. The team would generate jobs, both directly and indirectly, and attract tourism dollars. The NHL has a strong track record of community impact. The league and its players invested over $14 million in community programs in 2024 alone. Historically, public funding has played a significant role in the construction of sports stadiums. This could be a factor in bringing an NHL team to San Diego.  

Potential Challenges

While the prospect of NHL expansion to San Diego is exciting, there are challenges to consider.

Competition

San Diego would inevitably face competition from the Los Angeles Kings. The Anaheim Ducks are also an established NHL franchise in Southern California. San Diego is a large market with its own distinct identity. An NHL team could carve out its own niche in the region. The NHL’s decision to stage a preseason game between the Kings and Ducks in San Diego shows the league’s interest. They are keen on expanding their presence in the area.  

Travel

San Diego’s geographical location presents a challenge in terms of travel costs. The city is a significant distance from many other NHL cities, which could lead to increased expenses for the team. However, the NHL has successfully integrated teams in non-traditional markets like Las Vegas and Seattle. These costs could be reduced with strategic scheduling. For instance, the team could increase the number of games against Pacific Division opponents. Additionally, they could optimize travel routes.  

Cost

The cost of acquiring an NHL franchise is substantial. Expansion fees are currently set at $650 million, while relocation fees for existing teams can vary. The Arizona Coyotes relocating to Salt Lake City shows how a team can find a new home. The NHL requires a high initial investment. However, it is a lucrative league. An NHL team in San Diego could be a profitable venture in the long run.  

Past Challenges

San Diego has a history of challenges with stadium and arena issues. Past failures stem from conflicts between team operators and government officials. City officials lacked foresight. Additionally, the potential of the San Diego market was underestimated. However, the city appears to have learned from these experiences. This is demonstrated by the collaborative approach to the Midway Rising project.  

Conclusion

NHL expansion to San Diego is a compelling possibility. The city has a rich hockey history. It has a passionate and growing fan base. There is potential for a new, state-of-the-art arena. While challenges exist, the potential rewards are significant. An NHL team would bring economic benefits. It would also grow the sport at the grassroots level. Additionally, it would provide San Diego with another major professional sports franchise to rally behind.

The success of recent NHL expansion teams, such as the Vegas Golden Knights, is a positive example. San Diego can follow this example. The NHL is interested in continued expansion. San Diego is committed to building a new arena. The dream of seeing an NHL team in America’s Finest City may soon become a reality.  

What do you think? Is it time for the NHL to drop the puck in San Diego? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let your voice be heard!