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The Kraken is officially part of the NHL as its final payment for a $ 650 million franchise fee has been remitted to the league.
“It is a proud day for all of us to complete the multi-year process to become an official member of the NHL and the 32nd franchise,” said David Bonderman, majority owner of Kraken, in a statement Friday. “It is the ultimate testament to our fans for their amazing support and belief and today their Seattle and NHL dream come true.”
The move frees the Kraken to conduct player transactions and participate in league meetings and voting. Bonderman and co-owner business partner Jerry Bruckheimer received permission to apply for a franchise in December 2017. They agreed to do so the following spring for $ 650 million and were approved by the league’s board of directors in a vote for a team of governors in December 2018 in Sea Island, Georgia.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am delighted to officially welcome the Seattle Kraken as our 32nd member club to the NHL,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement. “Congratulations to David Bonderman, the Bonderman family, their partners, the entire Seattle Kraken organization, the city of Seattle and all of the Kraken fans as the club continues its exciting journey towards Puck Drop in October.”
The team is expected to play in the 2021-22 season, which is set to begin in October.
Today marks a HUGE moment in the history of our club: We have officially completed the process of joining the National Hockey League.
To our fans, owner groups, partners and the @NHL – thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you. 💙🎉 pic.twitter.com/WjyehA60i0
– Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) April 30, 2021
