Keisha Lance Bottoms Could Cost Atlanta Its Third Chance at an NHL Franchise

ATLANTA — Atlanta hockey fans have waited long enough. After losing the Flames and Thrashers, metro Atlanta finally has another opportunity to attract an NHL franchise. Multiple development groups are pursuing arena projects, and the league has acknowledged growing interest in the market. But getting professional hockey back will require enormous private investment. The NHL reportedly expects prospective ownership groups to demonstrate at least $2 billion in financial resources. A new arena could cost more than $1 billion. That makes Georgia’s business climate particularly important.