Las Vegas and Quebec City have advanced to the second of three phases in their bids to land NHL expansion franchises.
Bill Foley, who heads the Las Vegas bid, made the announcement on his group's website Wednesday. Montreal-based Quebecor announced on its Twitter account that its Quebec City bid also is moving forward.
We confirm that the #NHL has retained Quebecor's candidacy for the 2nd phase of the expansion process. #Nordiques #Quebec City
— Québecor (@Quebecor) August 5, 2015
Foley said Phase 2 will feature bidders providing the NHL additional information regarding their respective markets and arena plans. The bidders will also gain access to certain league-related information.
There is a third phase to the process, though it's unclear when that will begin. Bids must also be approved by the NHL Board of Governors.
The league isn't expected to expand until 2017-18. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has proposed an expansion fee of $500 million.
