The NHL has announced that Seattle Center Arena investors and potential NHL team owners David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer have requested, and been granted, the ability to apply for an expansion team.

On Seattle, Bettman says Bonderman and a Bruckheimer will be allowed to formally apply for expansion. — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 7, 2017

In addition, Seattle will hold a season ticket drive, similar to what the Vegas Golden Knights did before being awarded their franchise.

Bettman says the process with Seattle will be similar to Vegas starting with ticket drive. No guarantees yet but the process has begun in terms of due diligence of Seattle — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 7, 2017

Right in line with the projected construction timeline, the team would be looking at the 2020-2021 season to begin. However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reiterates that this is not a guarantee of a team.

SEA: looking at 2020-21. Have asked to file application to expand. League has agreed and will allow a season-ticket drive. But Bettman says this is not guarantee of a team — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 7, 2017

The expansion fee, if the application is accepted, will be $650 million.

Bettman says expansion fee for Seattle will be $650 million — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 7, 2017

We knew things would move quickly once an arena deal was in place but holy cow!

Let’s do this, Seattle.