The NHL awards an expansion franchise to H. Wayne Huizenga, Chairman of Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation. Huizenga announces his intention to operate franchise in South Florida. Bob Clarke named team Vice President and General Manager. The Panthers announce a three-year agreement with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the International Hockey League.
Panthers unveil home and road uniforms along with primary and secondary logos.
The team colors are navy blue, red, and yellow-gold. The Florida Panthers select goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck as their first pick in the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft in Quebec City. In all, the Panthers select 24 players. At the Colisee in Quebec City, the Panthers select forward Rob Niedermayer as the franchise's first-ever Entry Draft pick. The Panthers choose 13 amateur players in the Entry Draft.