The National Lacrosse League has conditionally approved the return of the Vancouver Ravens for the 2008 season, following a three-year hiatus.

Vancouver previously was a member of the NLL from 2002 to 2004, but suspended operations after an ownership crisis and subsequent financial difficulties.

This time around, the ownership group has a well-known and respected front man, former Seattle Seahawks (NFL) president Bob Whitsett.

Only two things separate Whitsett's group from full approval -- an arena lease and 2500 season ticket sales, both of which must be completed by 19 July.

In the coming days, the team will begin accepting $25 (Canadian) season-ticket deposits at ravenslacrosse.com. Seating locations will then be doled out in the order in which deposits were received.

As for the arena, that's a stickier issue, as the original Ravens still owed an undisclosed amount of money to General Motors Place when they suspended operations; it remains to be seen whether GM Place will demand safeguards to prevent a repeat.

If that doesn't work out, the Ravens could settle into Pacific Coliseum, an older arena which they would share with a junior hockey team.

The Ravens would become the fifteenth NLL franchise, including the second expansion franchise for 2008 (joining Boston) and the fourth Canadian team (Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton).