NHL Eyes Texas for Potential Expansion
It’s often said that everything is bigger in Texas, and it seems the NHL might be looking to make its mark in the Lone Star State too.
The league is currently considering expansion options in Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as likely candidates for new franchises. This topic was a key discussion point during the NHL’s Board of Governors meeting held in Manhattan on Tuesday.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman shared with the press that discussions have been ongoing with the Friedkin family for about two years regarding a potential expansion team in either Houston or Austin.
However, there’s a catch—Bettman noted that both cities would need new arenas as part of their expansion proposals. If this expansion goes through, the cost could soar to a staggering $3.5 billion.
It’s important to highlight that the NHL is taking a measured approach. Bettman indicated that it will take about six months to determine whether to proceed with expansion efforts in these cities. Notably, the Dallas Stars have been the only NHL presence in Texas since relocating from Minnesota in 1993.
Jeff Molson, owner of the Canadiens and a member of the NHL Board of Governors Executive Committee, emphasized that expansion talks in Texas are still in the exploratory phase. He described it as a critical decision moving forward.
Dan Friedkin, who is estimated to have a net worth of around $10.3 billion, has been suggested as a potential owner for a new franchise. He leads the Friedkin Group, which has diverse interests ranging from car dealerships to luxury resorts.
This Houston-based conglomerate is also known for its expanding sports portfolio through its sports management company, Pursuit Sports.
In addition to owning AS Roma in Italy, the Friedkin Group has recently acquired a majority share in the English Premier League club Everton.
According to a statement from the Friedkin family, “Pursuit Sports has secured exclusive rights to promote an NHL team in Texas, focusing on both Austin and Houston.” They further expressed that both cities possess the necessary infrastructure and enthusiastic fan bases to sustain successful franchises for years.
The Friedkins have long aimed to bring an NHL team to Texas, expressing excitement for this developmental stage. They conveyed gratitude to the league for the opportunity and assured a thoughtful process would be followed to find the right market for the new franchise.
Interestingly, Houston remains the largest market in both the U.S. and Canada without a professional hockey team—the city previously hosted the Houston Eros of the American Hockey League until the team’s relocation in 2013.
