<P> In June 2015, the league officially opened the window for prospective owners to bid on expansion teams . By this point, Foley had secured more than 13,200 season - ticket deposits . Two expansion applications were submitted: Foley's application for a Las Vegas team, and a bid from Quebecor to revive the Quebec Nordiques at a new arena in Quebec City . Both Las Vegas and Quebec were invited to move into Phase II of the league expansion bid in August 2015, and subsequently advanced to Phase III . </P> <P> At the league owners' meeting on June 22, 2016, in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas expansion bid was approved by a unanimous vote, with play to begin in the 2017--18 NHL season . The team became the first major professional sports franchise to be based in Las Vegas, and the first NHL expansion team since 2000 . Foley committed to pay the league's $500 million expansion fee and began the process of hiring the team's principal staff and determining its official identity . Foley announced that former Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee would be the franchise's first general manager . On November 22, 2016, the name was revealed as the Vegas Golden Knights . </P> <P> On March 1, 2017 (coinciding with the league's trade deadline), the team completed its expansion fee payments and filings, making it eligible to formally begin operations such as free agent acquisition, and participation in league meetings . Five days later, the Golden Knights made their first personnel move by signing Reid Duke to a three - year entry - level contract . </P> <P> The team announced inaugural head coach Gerard Gallant on April 13, 2017 . Over the next two months, the Golden Knights developed their farm system, announcing affiliations with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League and the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL . </P>

When did the golden knights become a team