Live Feeds
● TRACKER Updated 20d ago · 38 sources tracked

NHL exploring Austin, Houston for expansion team

The NHL plans to select either Houston or Austin for its 33rd franchise by the end of 2026. League officials are in advanced talks to secure a deal in Houston, citing a strong local talent pipeline and rising ratings. While the 33rd team may begin play by the 2029-30 season, the league is also eyeing major television markets including Atlanta and Phoenix for a potential 34th franchise. This expansion strategy coincides with the league's efforts to grow its television market presence before negotiating a new rights deal.

RSS Source map (38)

What changed

The NHL is now considering Atlanta and Phoenix as candidates for a 34th franchise.

Live updates

  1. NHL seeks 33rd franchise in Houston or Austin by year end

    The NHL plans to select either Houston or Austin for its 33rd franchise by the end of 2026. League officials are in advanced talks to secure a deal in Houston, citing a strong local talent pipeline and rising ratings. While the 33rd team may begin play by the 2029-30 season, the league is also eyeing major television markets including Atlanta and Phoenix for a potential 34th franchise. This expansion strategy coincides with the league's efforts to grow its television market presence before negotiating a new rights deal.

    Why it matters

    The league is prioritizing the Texas market to capitalize on regional growth. A potential expansion draft in 2029 would force existing teams to protect their rosters. This move follows previous attempts to establish a permanent presence in the southern United States.

    What is confirmed

    • The NHL aims to choose between Houston and Austin for its 33rd franchise by the end of 2026.
    • League officials are in advanced talks to bring the 33rd franchise to Houston.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The NHL is considering Atlanta and Phoenix for a 34th franchise.
    • An expansion draft is likely to occur in 2029.
    • A 33rd team could begin play by the 2029-30 season.

    What to watch next

    • The official announcement of the 33rd franchise location by December 31, 2026
    • Confirmation of a 34th franchise bid from Atlanta or Phoenix
    • Finalization of the public-private partnership in Houston
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. sports.yahoo.com — New Reports Suggest NHL in Advanced Talks to Bring 33rd NHL Franchise to Houston
    2. www.nytimes.com — How potential NHL expansion could impact Canucks’ rebuilding plans
    3. sports.yahoo.com — Where Should The PWHL's Takeover Tour Go In 2026-27?
    4. www.sportsnet.ca — Atlanta-area city council approves NHL arena plan
    5. www.forbes.com — NHL Sets Sights On TV Market Expansion Ahead Of New Rights Deal
    confidence 80%

  2. NHL targets Houston or Austin for expansion by 2029-30

    The NHL intends to announce a 33rd franchise in Texas by the end of 2026, with Houston identified as the most likely location. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated the new team could begin play by the 2029-30 season. While both Houston and Austin are candidates, league officials are prioritizing Houston. Local officials are currently exploring a public-private partnership involving a Houston billionaire to secure the team.

    Why it matters

    The league is seeking to expand its footprint in the southern United States. Investors are currently evaluating which Texas city provides the best market fit for professional hockey.

    What is confirmed

    • The NHL may announce a Texas expansion team by the end of the calendar year.
    • Houston is the most likely landing spot for the new franchise.
    • The expansion team could begin play by the 2029-30 season.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A public-private partnership involving a Houston billionaire could bring the team to Houston.
    • The NHL is considering an outdoor game in Europe.

    What to watch next

    • Official announcement of the franchise location by December 2026
    • Confirmation of the ownership group and funding structure in Houston
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.nytimes.com — NHL’s Bill Daly says expansion team in Houston or Austin could play by 2029-30
    2. www.newsday.com — NHL executive says a Texas expansion team could be approved and announced by year's end
    3. www.sportsbusinessjournal.com — Weekend Rap
    4. sports.yahoo.com — Houston officials have ear of Houston billionaire as NHL expansion looms
    5. nhlrumors.com — NHL Expansion Coming, and Maybe an Outdoor Game in Europe
    confidence 100%

  3. NHL targets December commitment for 33rd team in Texas

    The NHL intends to commit to a 33rd franchise by December, with Houston and Austin serving as the primary candidates. While the league has focused its expansion efforts on Texas, Houston is currently a priority over Austin. Investors are now assessing which city offers the best fit for professional hockey. The league is eyeing the 2029-30 season for the new team's debut.

    Why it matters

    The league seeks a major market to maximize value for its next expansion. This process involves balancing media market data with the necessity of constructing a new arena.

    What is confirmed

    • The NHL has focused its expansion efforts on Texas.
    • Houston and Austin are the top two candidates for the 33rd franchise.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Texas-based expansion team is expected to debut in the 2029-30 season.

    What to watch next

    • The official franchise commitment announcement in December
    • Investor reports on city suitability for professional hockey
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.nhltraderumor.com — NHL News Today: Dylan Larkin Trade Price, Patrik Laine-Leafs Rumor and Quinn Hughes Contract Watch
    2. www.houstonpublicmedia.org — Will Houston or Austin land the NHL’s next team?
    3. www.yardbarker.com — NHL Eyeing 2029-30 For Texas-Based Expansion Team To Debut
    4. sports.yahoo.com — Houston 'Priority' Over Austin As NHL Eyes 33rd Franchise Commitment By December, What About Canada?
    confidence 80%

  4. NHL considers Houston or Austin for 33rd franchise

    The NHL is weighing Houston and Austin as candidates for its 33rd team, with media market data serving as a key factor in the final selection. A startup cost for the expansion is estimated at $3.5 billion, covering both the league expansion fee and the construction of a new arena. The league is targeting a major market to maximize value. While Texas is the likely state for the next team, the specific city remains a subject of debate among league officials.

    Why it matters

    The league is currently conducting a six-month feasibility study involving billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. This move represents the NHL's effort to grow its footprint in the southern United States.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The startup cost for the expansion is around $3.5 billion, including the expansion fee and arena construction.
    • Media market data will play a key role in deciding if Houston or Austin is better suited for the team.
    • The league is seeking a major market to increase value.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the six-month feasibility study with the Friedkin family
    • Official announcement of the 33rd league team location
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.bostonglobe.com — Texas seems the answer when it comes to NHL’s next expansion, but where exactly remains a debate
    2. heavy.com — NHL Expansion Looking to Tap Into Value of Major Market
    3. sports.yahoo.com — How media market data could factor into upcoming NHL expansion decision
    4. www.nytimes.com — The NHL’s future, according to 20,000 fans: Cup picks, expansion and biggest winners
    confidence 70%

  5. NHL estimates 3.5 billion dollar cost for Texas expansion team

    The NHL is weighing Houston and Austin as candidates for its 33rd franchise. League officials are using media market data to determine which city is better suited for the team. The estimated startup cost for the new franchise is approximately 3.5 billion dollars, a figure that covers the expansion fee and the construction of a new arena. The league intends to use the expansion to capture the value of a major market.

    Why it matters

    The league is currently conducting a six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. This move signals an effort to establish a professional hockey presence in the Texas market.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The startup cost for the expansion team is around 3.5 billion dollars, including the expansion fee and arena construction.
    • Media market data will be a key factor in deciding between Houston and Austin.
    • The expansion plan aims to tap into the value of a major market.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the six-month feasibility study with Dan Friedkin
    • Official announcement of the 33rd league team location
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.bostonglobe.com — Texas seems the answer when it comes to NHL’s next expansion, but where exactly remains a debate
    2. heavy.com — NHL Expansion Looking to Tap Into Value of Major Market
    3. sports.yahoo.com — How media market data could factor into upcoming NHL expansion decision
    4. www.nytimes.com — The NHL’s future, according to 20,000 fans: Cup picks, expansion and biggest winners
    confidence 70%

  6. NHL weighs Austin, Houston for Texas expansion team

    The NHL is evaluating Austin and Houston for a potential expansion team in Texas. A six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family is underway. The league has identified both cities as potential candidates, but no official decision has been made.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL is evaluating Austin and Houston for a potential expansion team in Texas.
    • The league is conducting a six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family.
    • Austin and Houston have been identified as potential candidates for the NHL expansion team.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Austin may be a frontrunner for the NHL expansion team
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. Texas Ice Hockey, Texas Stars solidify Austin as a home for hockey
    2. Texas Is (Probably) Getting a New NHL Team. But Where?
    confidence 88%

  7. NHL Assessing Houston and Austin for Potential Expansion

    Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the NHL is evaluating Houston and Austin for a second Texas franchise. The league is conducting a six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. This evaluation process is occurring during the 2026 offseason.

    What's confirmed:

    • Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the NHL is exploring a second Texas franchise in either Houston or Austin.
    • The NHL has agreed to a six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family.
    • The evaluation process begins during the 2026 offseason.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Local leaders cite corporate support and rising populations as primary drivers for considering Austin.
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. NHL Expansion Plans: Texas Teams? | Sandman Sports
    2. NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston, Austin
    3. Sources: NHL looking at Austin, Houston for expansion
    4. Billionaire Dan Friedkin looking into Houston - EgoEase
    5. Alex Silverman - Sports Business Journal
    6. NHL Looking Into Houston or Austin for Expansion - YouTube
    7. The Wild West: Trades and Draft Galore! Ducks, Blues, and More
    8. NHL Offseason Storylines and Potential Texas Expansion with ... - Spreaker
    9. Sports - FOX 26 Houston
    confidence 90%

  8. NHL Investigates Houston and Austin for Texas Expansion

    Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the NHL is exploring the addition of a franchise in either Houston or Austin. The league has agreed to a six-month feasibility study with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family. This process begins during the 2026 offseason.

    What's confirmed:

    • NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated the league is exploring expansion opportunities in Austin and Houston.
    • The NHL agreed to terms with Dan Friedkin and his family to conduct a six-month feasibility study for a franchise in Houston or Austin.
    • The investigation into a potential expansion franchise will occur during the 2026 offseason.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Houston is the more likely target for expansion due to population and media market advantages.
    • The NHL may expand to a total of 34 teams.
    Sources used for this update (20)
    1. Sources: NHL looking at Austin, Houston for expansion
    2. NHL To Investigate Houston And Austin For Expansion
    3. NHL exploring Austin, Houston for expansion team
    4. NHL to Explore Houston, Austin for Potential Expansion Franchise During 2026 Offseason
    5. National Hockey League seeking expansion in Houston and Austin as potential targets
    6. NHL expected to announce update on expansion; Houston likely main target
    7. NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston, Austin
    8. NHL taps Houston billionaire to launch new Texas hockey franchise
    9. NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston and Austin, AP source says
    10. The NHL is reportedly considering one of two major Texas cities for its next round of expansion
    11. NHL exploring Austin, Houston for expansion team - ESPN
    12. NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston, Austin
    confidence 95%