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NHL to Explore Houston, Austin for Potential Expansion Franchise During 2026 Offseason

The NHL is assessing the viability of adding a new franchise in either Houston or Austin, Texas. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the process during a Tuesday meeting with the Board of Governors. The league is currently in a 6-month evaluation period with the Friedkin family.

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What changed

Reports now indicate the league may be exploring an expansion to 34 teams.

Live updates

  1. NHL Evaluates Houston and Austin for Potential Expansion

    The NHL is assessing the viability of adding a new franchise in either Houston or Austin, Texas. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the process during a Tuesday meeting with the Board of Governors. The league is currently in a 6-month evaluation period with the Friedkin family.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL is investigating Houston and Austin as potential sites for a new franchise.
    • Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the expansion process during a Tuesday meeting with the Board of Governors.
    • The league has started a 6-month evaluation period with the Friedkin family.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The NHL is exploring an expansion to 34 teams.
    • Houston is more likely than Austin to receive a team due to population and media market advantages.
    confidence 90%

  2. NHL Explores Houston and Austin for Texas Expansion

    The NHL is investigating the viability of a second Texas franchise in either Houston or Austin. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the process during a Tuesday meeting with the Board of Governors. The league has entered a 6-month evaluation period with the Friedkin family.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL is exploring Austin and Houston as potential targets for an expansion team.
    • Commissioner Gary Bettman informed the Board of Governors on Tuesday that a process to investigate a franchise in Houston or Austin will begin.
    • The league has agreed upon a framework and entered a 6-month evaluation process with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family.
    • A new team in Houston or Austin would be the second NHL franchise in Texas alongside the Dallas Stars.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Dan Friedkin signed a term sheet for a potential franchise involving an estimated $3.5 billion investment.
    • Arizona is not at the forefront of the league's expansion location explorations.
    confidence 95%