NHL eyes Houston as top choice for 33rd franchise in Texas expansion

After a June 23 Board of Governors meeting, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a six‑month review to add a 33rd team in Texas, with Houston and Austin under consideration. Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, is identified as the prospective owner, with a projected $3.5 billion investment covering the expansion fee and a new arena.

League officials said media‑market data strongly favors Houston, the largest U.S. market without an NHL team, and Assistant Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Houston as the league’s primary priority for a franchise that could begin play in the 2029‑30 season. Austin remains a secondary option, pending arena plans.