by 3DF Owner
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I am not a professional sports reporter, I believe this story is in the public interest. I neither received nor offered payment for any of the information presented.
When I launched 3DF, my goal was to help grow the Canadian Football League with a scouting website. While I have big plans for the project, it remains a passion project alongside my full time career in football. I am not part of the media, nor do I have any desire to become a source for daily breaking news. Yet, since our launch, we’ve now broken two stories.
As of Friday, June 26th, the last private conversation regarding this subject took place with individuals directly involved in the story. I have been granted permission to disclose part of the story, subject to a few strict omissions.
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Many travelers from around the world call it the most beautiful city in the world. Many refer to it as their next must destination. Those who have visited Quebec City often describe it as the trip of a lifetime. Renowned for its 17th-century cobblestone streets, the beautiful St. Lawrence River, and its four season postcard appeal, the city perfectly blends history, French culture, and scenery that no other North American city can offer.
Visiting Old Quebec, a World Heritage Site, is like stepping into a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen, especially if you have never traveled extensively. It’s known for its winter carnivals, summer festivals, street performers, outdoor patios, and some of the best cuisine in the world. (visit Légende & La Buchette restaurants)
When you visit Quebec City for the first time, you may leave with two questions: 1. Why have I never visited this city before? 2. Why are there no professional sports teams?
I honestly believe there should be a third question: Of any city you could complain about, what exactly was Eric Lindros’ problem?
All jokes aside
For many of my generation, the 1995 relocation of the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques shaped the perception that Quebec City is small, boring, has nothing to offer, and is a bad place to visit or live. If you don’t believe my reviews, visit the city yourself. I think you’ll soon discover why it deserves far more recognition, especially if you’re a traveling sports fan. This could become a road trip destination for visiting fans of opposing teams.
It’s a matter of when, not if.
A city that has lacked a professional sports franchise since the Quebec Nordiques left in 1995, and one that has been dealt blow after blow for more than a decade, will soon become home to two professional franchises.
One in the Canadian Football League and the other a return to the National Hockey League.
How sure am I?
Very sure. I would love to share all the details. But this is what I can share.
As every CFL fan heard about a month ago, there is now strong interest in building a $350 million stadium (which I have heard may actually be closer to $450 million) on the site of the old Le Colisée, which sits on the same property as the Videotron Centre, an 18,000 seat hockey arena.
That group has apparently met with CFL executives to share its vision and is now working to line up investors while seeking approval from the city and provincial governments. I was told the old arena is currently being used as an office and storage facility for the upcoming 2027 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City.
The tentative demolition start date is now fall 2027 and is expected to take approximately 20 months because of plans to carefully salvage materials and protect surrounding structures. A newly constructed football stadium would most likely be completed by the summer of 2031, though there are plans for the CFL expansion team to temporarily play at a nearby university beginning in 2028 or 2029.
However, there are new developments involving a second group. This group has been working privately with government officials for more than a year on the logistics of creating a Quebec City private sports company that would operate both facilities and own the two new professional sports franchises.
The second group has been working closely with the National Hockey League in an attempt to position itself to acquire an NHL expansion franchise. It is not known who the front man is, but sources have shared that Guy Laliberté, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, along with the Desmarais family, are involved. In addition, a highly prominent NHL superstar and Céline Dion are expected to join the group. I was not given the identity of the NHL superstar. Céline Dion has previously been linked to an effort to purchase the Montreal Canadiens.
There are still many details that need to be worked out, including whether there would be two separate ownership groups operating the two teams, whether they would work together under a unified sports ownership group, or whether one group would ultimately oversee both projects.
The first step is to have the land where Le Colisée currently stands rezoned for construction of a new stadium. That will likely happen sometime between fall 2026 and spring 2027. The good news is that the government of Quebec is on board. The group made public last month is hopeful it can receive a conditional CFL expansion franchise by the end of 2026 (Grey Cup week in Calgary), although there is a growing realization that the timeline may slip into spring 2027.
Sources also indicated that government officials have expressed interest in discussions regarding land for a proposed stadium and new entertainment district near the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
The NHL’s return is a little more complicated. There have been opportunities in the past, but they ultimately led nowhere, creating the perception that the NHL wanted no part of Quebec City. That has changed.
The first issue is the expansion fee. I’ve been told they now have the financial backing. Secondly, they need support from NHL ownership. For the first time in this process, they apparently have more than enough.
I was given a list of owners who recently spoke in favor of Quebec City joining the National Hockey League. Included on that list are Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson, Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer, Winnipeg Jets owner David Thomson, Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz, Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, along with ownership representatives from Buffalo, Detroit, Minnesota, and St. Louis.
Territorial rights within the province of Quebec would still need to be finalized. However, I was given the indication that the framework for an agreement may already be in place.
The other obstacle has long appeared to be NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, but that may no longer be the case.
According to my source, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to step down following the 2027–28 season, with current Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly serving as interim commissioner for two to three seasons before a permanent successor is named. However, the league is reportedly divided on the proposed succession plan.
The source indicates that Bettman has already spoken with Quebec City officials and representatives of the prospective ownership group, providing assurance that there will be a pathway for Quebec City to be awarded an NHL expansion franchise as early as 2027.
They were reportedly given a timeline indicating when their bid was expected to be approved.
At this time, the situation remains speculative. However, under expected expansion contingency planning, Quebec City would be tasked with meeting a specific season ticket threshold.
According to the source, the prospective ownership group has told the NHL it expects to sell out both private suites and general seating within a single day.
The National Hockey League will likely move forward first with expansion team No. 33, which is expected to be awarded to Dan Friedkin. He reportedly has a choice between Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas, although I was told Houston is the likely destination. That franchise would reportedly be granted five years to construct a new arena while temporarily playing at Toyota Center beginning in 2029 or 2030.
Expansion Team No. 34 would likely be either Quebec City or Phoenix, with team No. 35 going to the other. The short term plan for the National Hockey League is to expand to 36 teams, with a long term goal of expanding to 40 teams, per sources.
Videotron Centre is already considered NHL ready but is expected to undergo approximately $120 million in upgrades.
I, of course, asked about the possible names of both franchises.
The current CFL ownership group has reportedly floated the name “L’Attaque de Québec,” although it may not be permitted due to concerns over its violent connotations. A name the team contest appears to be the most likely outcome.
As for the NHL franchise, sources said no final decision has been made. However, “Operation Nordic” is reportedly the internal nickname among those involved, which strongly suggests that the iconic name is expected to return.
How certain am I that this is going to happen? You better start making your travel arrangements now.
It’s a matter of when, not if.
“Bienvenue à Québec.”
