NHL Evaluates Houston and Austin for Potential Expansion Teams

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league is exploring a second Texas franchise, with a $3.5 billion investment plan currently under review.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed in late June that the league is exploring the addition of a second franchise in Texas, specifically targeting Houston and Austin. The league entered a six-month agreement with The Friedkin Group to investigate the viability of these markets. This exploration includes a proposed $3.5 billion investment covering both the expansion fee and the construction costs for a new NHL-caliber arena.

By the end of 2026, Bettman expects to know if the NHL board of governors prefers Houston or Austin as a destination. Although the league is not currently in a formal round of expansion, deputy commissioner Bill Daly noted that a vote on The Friedkin Group’s bid may not occur by the December board meeting, even as the six-month exploration window concludes. Houston currently stands as the largest U.S. market without an NHL team, despite hosting MLB, NBA, NFL, MLS, and NWSL franchises.

Historical data from the Houston Aeros, a former WHA and AHL team, shows the market has previously supported professional hockey. The WHA iteration of the Aeros won two league titles in six seasons and ranked in the top five for attendance three times over a five-year span. Later, the AHL Aeros reached the top five in league attendance while playing at the Toyota Center before relocating to Des Moines, Iowa, following a 2013 rent dispute involving a reported 550% increase.

Economic indicators support Houston's viability, as the region's output grew to $785.3 billion in 2024, making it the sixth-largest economy in the United States. Additionally, the NHL’s current U.S. broadcasting rights with Disney and Turner Sports are set to expire after the 2027-28 season, making large TV markets like Houston a significant factor in future negotiations.