Hamilton gives Balsillie Copps Coliseum lease

Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie is a step closer to securing a venue in Hamilton for an NHL franchise. Now all he needs is a team.

Hamilton city council signed off on a plan Wednesday night to give Balsillie a 20-year lease at Copps Coliseum as part of his plan to bring a

NHL franchise to southern Ontario.

Balsillie has made a $213-million US offer to buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, with an eye on moving the team to Canada. Balsillie, co-chief executive officer of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, is waiting to learn the outcome of a legal battle between the NHL and Jerry Moyes, current owner of the Coyotes, as to who is in control of the team.

Balsillie calls southern Ontario the "the best un-served hockey market in the world."

He says the approval of the lease by Hamilton council would mark the beginning of a strong and lasting partnership with the city to bring the NHL to Hamilton.