[REVISION HISTORY]

NHL expansion to Houston and potential Atlanta return

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 16:03 UTC → 2026-08-27 18:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, the National Hockey League launched a six-month evaluation of a possible 33rd franchise, focusing on Houston as the leading candidate. The league outlined criteria including ownership strength, arena certainty, market quality, media value, sponsorship depth, and enterprise value. Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin and his Pursuit Sports platform were identified as central to the assessment, with a projected $3.5 billion investment intended to cover the expansion fee and a $300 million arena on the former AstroWorld site. By mid-August 2026, industry reports and insiders, including agent Allan Walsh and John Shannon, identified Houston and Atlanta as the primary targets for upcoming expansion moves. While Austin remains a secondary option, speculation suggests the league could expand to 36 teams by approximately 2030. The potential for expansion drafts has intensified debates regarding roster protection for existing ~~teams. Specific concerns have been raised for~~ teams, specifically concerning the Winnipeg Jets ~~regarding players like Morgan Barron,~~ and the Toronto Maple ~~Leafs, who may face difficult decisions involving veterans like Sergei Bobrovsky and goaltender Artur Akhtyamov.~~ Leafs. As of late August 2026, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that the league has agreed on a framework for a transaction and expects definitive agreements as early as December. Recent developments confirm that Friedkin’s ownership group has agreed to a $2 billion expansion fee. An announcement regarding whether the Texas franchise will be located in Houston or Austin could arrive by the end of the year, with the team potentially beginning play as early as the 2029-30 season. If established in Texas, the franchise would likely join the Central Division, creating a new divisional rival for the Colorado Avalanche. While the league explores a 34th team in markets such as Atlanta and Phoenix, Daly noted a lack of interested investment groups willing to fund a franchise in Quebec ~~City, despite its strong hockey culture.~~ City.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.