The National Hockey League, fresh off welcoming the Utah Mammoth and sitting comfortably at 32 teams, appears poised to resume its growth trajectory. Recent developments point to a deliberate, measured expansion process that could see a new franchise in Texas as soon as the 2028-29 season, followed by another addition a few years later.
According to sources and reports surrounding the NHL’s Board of Governors meetings, the league is eyeing a single-city expansion in the near term, with Houston positioned as the leading candidate. Austin remains a viable alternative or complementary option within the Lone Star State, potentially setting up a staggered rollout that allows the league to carefully manage talent distribution and market development.
At the heart of Houston’s push is billionaire Dan Friedkin and the Friedkin Group. As one of the world’s largest private Toyota distributors through Gulf States Toyota, Friedkin brings substantial financial heft—estimated net worth in the billions—and a proven track record in sports ownership. The group recently acquired a majority stake in Everton of the English Premier League and has long-standing investments in entertainment, hospitality, and other sectors.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has confirmed multiple meetings between the league and Friedkin’s group regarding a potential Houston expansion franchise. This positions Friedkin as a more viable option than previous discussions involving Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, according to insiders. The Toyota Center, home to the Rockets, could serve as a temporary venue while a dedicated NHL-ready arena is developed.
Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city, offers a massive market with established pro sports infrastructure (Astros, Rockets, Texans) and a growing hockey community bolstered by recent junior hockey developments. A successful franchise here would mark the NHL’s return to Texas beyond the Dallas Stars and tap into the state’s booming population and corporate base.
While Commissioner Gary Bettman has emphasized that the league is not in formal expansion mode, the signals are clear: interested parties have been informed of a $2 billion expansion fee, and discussions are advancing. A 2028-29 debut for the first new team aligns with the need for arena readiness and roster-building time via an expansion draft. A second team could follow in the early 2030s, allowing the NHL to reach 34 clubs without overwhelming player development pipelines.
Austin’s entry into the conversation adds an intriguing layer. As a vibrant, growing tech hub, it could support a second Texas franchise, though it would require significant arena solutions. The NHL’s interest in Texas as a whole reflects confidence in the region’s ability to sustain multiple teams, much like the success of the Stars in Dallas.
The NHL has thrived with its current 32-team alignment, delivering competitive balance and strong revenues. However, with a new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon and proven success in non-traditional markets like Las Vegas and Seattle, league executives see strategic value in selective growth. Other cities like Atlanta, Indianapolis, and New Orleans remain in the mix, but the Texas focus in recent Board discussions suggests momentum is building south of the border.
For hockey fans in Houston and beyond, the prospect is exciting. An NHL team would not only bring high-caliber action to a new audience but also create jobs, boost local economies, and further legitimize the sport in a football- and basketball-dominant region. Challenges remain—securing a long-term arena solution, building a competitive roster, and cultivating a dedicated fan base—but the ownership interest from a group like the Friedkins provides a rock-solid foundation.
The NHL’s next chapter could very well be written in the heart of Texas. Whether it’s the Houston [Team Name TBD] taking the ice in 2028-29 or a staggered approach including Austin, the puck is dropping on a new era of league expansion.
