NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Addresses Expansion Interest in Texas and Other Markets

Commissioner Gary Bettman stated the NHL is not in a formal expansion round despite receiving pitches for new franchises in Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday in New York that the league remains in a "wait-and-see" posture regarding the addition of two expansion teams to the current 32-club roster. While the board of governors did not hold a formal expansion vote, Bettman confirmed the league is evaluating unsolicited interest from multiple markets. A potential second franchise in Texas would require an estimated $3.5 billion investment to cover the expansion fee and a new arena.

The Friedkin family is currently mid-way through a six-month evaluation of Houston and Austin as potential sites. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly noted the group has identified possible arena locations in both cities and provided a briefing to the league last week. Bettman expects the board to determine a preference between the two Texas cities by the end of 2024, though Daly cautioned that the conclusion of the exploration process in December may not result in a formal vote.

Beyond Texas, three ownership groups in Atlanta have contacted the league, and multiple groups in Phoenix have expressed interest. Bettman stated that discussions regarding a Phoenix return are not practical without firm arena plans, following the Coyotes' cessation of operations in 2024. Any future expansion requires approval from three-quarters of the league's governors.

In administrative changes, the board of governors unanimously approved Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, 69, as the new chairman. Leonsis replaces Jeremy Jacobs, who retired after 19 years in the role. Murray Edwards, governor of the Calgary Flames, was named vice-chair. The new leadership will eventually oversee the succession plan for Bettman, who has served as commissioner since 1993.