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NHL to expand into Texas, Friedkin pays $2 billion

8/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly announced the league will expand to Texas by end-2026.
Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin’s group agreed to pay a $2 billion expansion fee.
The franchise will be placed in Houston or Austin pending arena approval.
Board approval could trigger an expansion announcement this year, with play starting 2029-30 as the NHL’s 33rd team.

History

Historical Context

After the NHL’s 1990 plan to reach 28 teams, it approved $45 million expansion fees for the San Jose Sharks (approved May 9 1990, began 1991-92) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (joined 1992-93) as part of a south-ward push that lifted U.S. TV ratings. Bill Daly and Dan Friedkin now propose a 33rd franchise in Texas, echoing that early-1990s growth strategy.

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Story summary

U.S. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly announced the league will expand to Texas by end-2026.
Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin’s group agreed to pay a $2 billion expansion fee.
The franchise will be placed in Houston or Austin pending arena approval.
Board approval could trigger an expansion announcement this year, with play starting 2029-30 as the NHL’s 33rd team.

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