Rockets owner to buy Oilers, again

Oilers roster

Alexander made a $82.5 million bid for the franchise Tuesday and said he wants to move the team to Houston.

To keep the Oilers in Edmonton, local buyers would have to come up with at least $70 million. If not, professional hockey will likely be heading to the nation's fourth largest city, Houston.

"If it has to move, I want to be able to move it to Houston," Alexander said.

He backed his bid with a $5 million deposit to the Alberta Treasury Branches, the bank handling the Oilers' sale. The deposit is refundable if Canadian buyers act in 30 days.

Just months ago Alexander's first try to buy the team fell through. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman appears to have played a pivotal role in maintaining Alexander's interest in the Oilers.

"He really stepped up on my behalf," Alexander said.

Bettman voiced his satisfaction. "Les Alexander has, without hesitation, shown a consistent interest in NHL hockey and he's shown a great tenacity in his desire to bring a NHL team to Houston," said Bettman.