NHL Expansion: The League’s Path Toward a 33rd or 34th Franchise
The National Hockey League is officially exploring further expansion, with Texas emerging as a primary target for a potential new franchise. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that the league is in the early stages of evaluating growth opportunities, and the Friedkin family—led by Dan Friedkin—has been granted exclusive rights to pursue an NHL franchise in the state of Texas, specifically targeting Houston or Austin as potential host cities.
Why is the NHL considering Texas for expansion?
The NHL is looking to capitalize on the rapid population growth and corporate infrastructure of the Texas market. While the Dallas Stars remain the state’s sole NHL team, the league views Texas as an untapped opportunity for a secondary franchise. According to a statement released by The Friedkin Group, the organization has secured an agreement with the NHL to explore the feasibility of bringing a team to either Houston or Austin.
The league’s interest in Texas aligns with its recent strategy of targeting large, affluent markets that currently lack a presence in one or more of the “Big Four” North American sports leagues. Austin, in particular, is the largest metropolitan area in the United States without a team in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL.
Houston vs. Austin: Evaluating the Potential Markets
Both cities present distinct advantages for a professional hockey franchise. Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., offers a massive television market and a history of professional hockey, including the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the 1970s. However, a new team in Houston would face significant competition for fan attention and sponsorship dollars from established teams like the Houston Astros, Rockets, and Texans.
Austin, while smaller in terms of total population, has seen explosive growth and currently supports the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL). The success of the Vegas Golden Knights—who established a deep connection with their local fan base immediately upon entry—serves as a template for how a new market can embrace the sport through high-level engagement and a competitive product.
What is the current status of the NHL expansion process?
The NHL Board of Governors discussed the framework for future expansion during a meeting in New York in September 2024. Commissioner Bettman emphasized that the league is not currently in a formal expansion process but acknowledged the high level of interest from prospective ownership groups.
The agreement granted to the Friedkin family is a preliminary step. It provides them with the exclusive right to conduct due diligence and work with the league to determine if a viable path exists for a franchise. This mirrors the disciplined, methodical approach the NHL took before finalizing the addition of the Seattle Kraken and the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes’ assets to Utah.
Key Considerations for Future Growth
The NHL’s potential move to 33 or 34 teams is driven by several factors beyond just market size:
* Geographic Balance: Adding a second team in the Central or Western time zones could streamline scheduling and reduce travel fatigue for existing teams.
* Market Saturation: The league is weighing the benefits of entering a new, massive market like Houston against the risks of competing with established sports franchises.
* Infrastructure: Both Austin and Houston would require modern arena facilities capable of meeting NHL standards to support a long-term, championship-caliber franchise.
While cities like Atlanta and Quebec City have frequently been mentioned in expansion rumors, the NHL’s current focus on Texas suggests that the league is prioritizing markets with immediate economic and corporate support. For now, the process remains in the exploratory phase as the league evaluates whether the Texas market can support a second, successful NHL home.