Investors join SeAttle’s Bid for NHL expAnsion

The investment group hoping to bring an expansion NHL franchise to Seattle for the 2020-21 season has announced a new set of local investors including Adrian Hanauer, majority owner of MLS’s Sounders, and members of the Ackerley family that previously owned the NBA’s SuperSonics. Seattle Hockey Partners, the group looking to secure the franchise, also announced Wednesday it will make a presentation before the executive committee of the NHL board of governors Oct. 2. Hanauer is perhaps the most notable addition to the ownership group, but adding Ted and Christopher Ackerley is a nod to the history of professional sports in Seattle. The Ackerley family owned the NBA’s Sonics from 1983-2001 before selling the franchise.