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● TRACKER Updated 12d ago · 32 sources tracked

NHL exploring Austin, Houston for expansion team

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.

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What changed

New data indicates the startup cost is $3.5 billion and media market metrics will decide between the two Texas cities.

Live updates

  1. 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%

  2. 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%

  3. 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%

  4. 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%

  5. 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%