Tim Tebow's hockey team gets expansion approval from league

One of the top minor leagues in North America continues to grow.

On Wednesday, the ECHL revealed that the league’s Board of Governors approved the expansion application of to Augusta, Georgia, with the team expected to begin play in the 2027-28 season.

Augusta will join the Atlanta Gladiators as two organizations operating in the Peach State. The team will be co-owned by former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, along with the CEO of Hodges Management Group, LLC, David Hodges.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring hockey back to Augusta with our partnership group,” Tebow said in a release. “We are excited to see this team bring people together from all over the country to enjoy camaraderie, competition, and community impact. Our desire is to make a positive impact both on and off the ice.”

This isn’t Tebow’s first time diving into the world of hockey. Tebow, Hodges, along with television stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, are co-owners of the Tahoe Knight Monsters, the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights.

With the addition of the team in Augusta, the ECHL will have 32 teams in action in two years’ time — with the Greensboro Gargoyles, the Carolina Hurricanes’ secondary affiliate, beginning play this season and a team in Rio Rancho, New Mexico coming the following year — matching the number of franchises in the NHL. Currently, 30 of the NHL’s 32 franchises have direct ECHL affiliates. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators currently don’t have any farm teams outside of the American Hockey League.

Commissioner Ryan Crelin admits the proposed team in Georgia is “exciting” for the league.

“The growth of the market and the newly constructed venue will make for a first-class entertainment experience,” Crelin said. “While also adding a great new rival city amongst our South Division. Furthermore, David and Tim’s ownership has been exemplary in Tahoe, and we look forward to their continued growth in the Augusta market.”

The team will play in the New Augusta Arena, a 10,500-seat venue which is currently under construction in the city’s downtown area.

Augusta does have its own pro hockey history. From 1998 to 2008, the city was home to the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx, with the SPHL’s RiverHawks playing in Augusta from 2010 to 2013.