NHL Sets Sights on Texas for Its 33rd Franchise

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced that the NHL is moving forward with a 33rd team in Texas. The league has a framework agreement with an ownership group led by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin and his Pursuit Sports company, committing to a $2 billion expansion fee. The group is evaluating arena options in Houston—identified as the priority market—or Austin as a fallback. Daly said the league hopes to secure definitive agreements by December and that the new franchise could begin play in the 2029-30 season, with the transaction closing in early 2029.

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The most recent expansions added the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021, bringing the league to 32 clubs. Texas already hosts an NHL franchise—the Dallas Stars—since the Minnesota North Stars relocated in 1993. Houston previously fielded the WHA’s Aeros (1972-1978) and currently supports NFL, NBA, and MLB clubs. Austin, with a population just over one million, is the largest U.S. city without a major-league team and has an MLS franchise (Austin FC).

SportskeedaBleacher ReportNew York TimesBill Daly unveils the NHL's next expansion team and when we can expect to see it. Report: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly says 33rd team could join NHL by 2029-30 ‘I think it’s going to happen’: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly on outdoor games in Europe

• Expansion fee: $2 billion (Pursuit Sports).

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• Target debut season: 2029-30.

Report: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly says 33rd team could join NHL by 2029-30

• Timeline: definitive agreements by December 2026, transaction closing early 2029.

Report: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly says 33rd team could join NHL by 2029-30

• Houston: fourth-largest U.S. market; Austin: >1 million residents, only major-league team is MLS.

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• Canadian expansion interest described as “less vibrant” than U.S. interest; Quebec City remains the most frequently mentioned candidate but lacks an ownership group.

Bill Daly's latest NHL expansion comments won't please Canadian fans as agreement is in place

• Daly noted the priority remains Houston, though Austin is being considered as an alternative.

New York Times

• He expects an update on the Houston group’s progress “in the coming weeks” and anticipates presenting the proposal to the Board of Governors by the end of 2026.

New York Times

• On competitive balance, Daly asserted the league has “enough boots on the ground” and a sufficient talent pool, dismissing concerns that expansion would dilute player quality. He suggested that once the league exceeds 32 clubs, an expanded playoff format may be considered.

New York Times

Adding a Texas franchise would bring the NHL to 33 clubs, prompting a reassessment of scheduling and playoff structures. The league’s confidence in player depth suggests talent dilution is not expected to hinder on-ice quality. A Texas team could spark a natural rivalry with the Dallas Stars, mirroring other intrastate rivalries that have heightened fan engagement. The potential second expansion—targeting markets such as Phoenix or Atlanta—signals the NHL’s broader growth strategy.

Bill Daly unveils the NHL's next expansion team and when we can expect to see it.

The NHL plans to bring the Texas proposal to its Board of Governors before the close of 2026. If approved, the league will finalize the ownership agreement and arena plan, aiming for the franchise to begin play in the 2029-30 season. Discussions about a 34th team will continue, with the league monitoring interest in Phoenix, Atlanta, and other potential markets.

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