from Patrick Rishe at Forbes,

While there are as many as 5 reasons to be optimistic about Vegas’ chances to succeed as an NHL market, the likelihood of success isn’t as sure as an empty-netter from 5 feet.

To start, here are 5 reasons to be optimistic about Las Vegas as an NHL market:

(1) Venue

T-Mobile Arena is a brand new venue just off the Vegas Strip. New venues equate to larger potential revenue streams from in-venue signage, sponsorships, suites, and the like. Though the arena is co-owned by MGM Resorts and AEG, the team will certainly benefit financially from playing in a new facility.

(2) Facility financing

Because the arena was privately financed by MGM and AEG, the team’s owners are not saddled with facility debt, which is one less financial hurdle to overcome.

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