News Summary
Augusta, Georgia, is poised to welcome a new ECHL expansion hockey team starting in the 2027-28 season, marking the league’s return after nearly two decades. Co-owned by Tim Tebow and David Hodges, the team will engage the community by allowing fans to participate in a ‘Name the Team’ contest. With plans for a new 10,500-seat venue underway, this expansion emphasizes community engagement and aims to revitalize Augusta’s sports culture, contributing to local development and pride.
Augusta, Georgia Welcomes New ECHL Expansion Team for 2027-28 Season
The ECHL board has approved the expansion application for a new hockey team in Augusta, Georgia, which will officially begin play in the 2027-28 season. This exciting development marks the league’s return to the city after a nearly two-decade absence, as Augusta previously hosted the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx until 2009.
Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback, will co-own the franchise alongside David Hodges, CEO of Hodges Management Group, LLC. The team is yet to be named, and fans will have the opportunity to participate in a “Name the Team” contest, allowing the community to be actively involved in the team’s identity.
Expansion of the ECHL
The introduction of the Augusta team will elevate the total number of member teams in the ECHL to 32, aligning it with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin expressed enthusiasm regarding the expansion, pointing to the growth of the Augusta community and the development of a new 10,500-seat venue currently under construction in downtown Augusta as crucial elements for the franchise’s success.
Community Impact and Vision
Tebow highlighted the team’s commitment to making a positive impact on the Augusta community, with a focus on uniting people through sports and contributing to local development. Hodges stressed the goal of creating a family-friendly atmosphere that will serve as a valuable asset for Augusta, facilitating both sporting events and community gatherings.
Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports, noted that the community of Augusta deserves professional hockey and that the new arena will attract significant attention, both from fans and players alike. By launching this franchise, the aim is to energize the local community, draw in visitors, and generate economic opportunities that could benefit various sectors of the area.
A Historic Return
The Augusta Lynx was the last ECHL team to operate in the area, departing after the 2008-2009 season. Before the Lynx, the SPHL’s Augusta RiverHawks competed in the area from 2010 to 2013. The return of a professional hockey franchise presents a chance for the city to rekindle its sports tradition and establish itself once again as a destination for hockey enthusiasts.
The Augusta team will join the Atlanta Gladiators and Savannah Ghost Pirates, making it Georgia’s third ECHL franchise. The affiliation of the new team with an NHL franchise will be announced later, enriching the local sports landscape even further.
Community Response
Augusta’s Mayor Garnett L. Johnson characterized the announcement as a significant and proud day for the city, enhancing community pride and excitement about the future. The new venue is anticipated to offer an outstanding experience for fans and serve as a central hub for a variety of sporting events, helping to solidify Augusta’s position within the realm of professional sports.
As preparations unfold for the new team’s debut in the 2027-28 season, Augusta looks forward to embracing professional hockey once again and welcoming fans to a revitalized sports culture, one that champions community involvement, economic development, and sporting excellence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ECHL News
- WRDW: Augusta Pro Hockey
- Bleacher Report: Tim Tebow Co-Owner
- AJC: New Franchise in Augusta
- Wikipedia: ECHL
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
