https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nhl-to-explore-houston-austin-for-potential-expansion-franchise-during-2026-offseasonContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nhl-to-explore-houston-austin-for-potential-expansion-franchise-during-2026-offseasonhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nhl-to-explore-houston-austin-for-potential-expansion-franchise-during-2026-offseason#u21906Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:07:54 +0000The 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 explo https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nhl-to-explore-houston-austin-for-potential-expansion-franchise-during-2026-offseasonhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nhl-to-explore-houston-austin-for-potential-expansion-franchise-during-2026-offseason#u15779Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:21:57 +0000The 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 wit