NHL Exploring Texas Expansion as Austin, Houston Emerge as Candidates

The NHL’s footprint in the Lone Star State could soon grow beyond the Dallas Stars. Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed Tuesday that the league has begun a six-month evaluation process to determine whether Austin or Houston could become home to the NHL’s 33rd franchise.

The discussions were revealed following the NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York and come after nearly two years of conversations with billionaire businessman Dan Friedkin and his ownership group.

According to Bettman, any expansion would require both a new arena and an estimated total investment of approximately $3.5 billion, including the expansion fee and venue development. While no formal decision has been made, the league views both Texas markets as viable long-term options thanks to strong population growth, favorable business climates, and increasing interest in hockey throughout the region.

Houston has long been considered the favorite because it is the largest metropolitan area in North America without an NHL franchise and previously supported the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Austin has rapidly emerged as a compelling alternative due to a booming population and lack of competition from the NFL, NBA, or MLB.

Dan Friedkin Emerges as Potential Franchise Owner

The NHL’s discussions center around billionaire Dan Friedkin and The Friedkin Group, a Houston-based conglomerate with an expanding international sports portfolio. Friedkin already owns Italian Serie A club AS Roma and English Premier League side Everton through Pursuit Sports, giving him significant experience operating professional sports organizations on a global scale.

Bettman said the league has granted the Friedkin family a six-month exclusive process to determine which Texas city would provide the strongest long-term home for an NHL franchise.

Arena development is expected to be a major factor in the final decision, with both Houston and Austin needing new state-of-the-art facilities to satisfy league requirements.

Should the project move forward, it would become one of the most expensive expansion efforts in North American sports history. The estimated $3.5 billion investment far exceeds the $650 million Seattle paid to join the NHL in 2021 and the $500 million fee paid by the Vegas Golden Knights before their inaugural 2017-18 season.

Betting Implications of NHL Expansion

Although expansion remains in the exploratory phase, sportsbooks would almost certainly introduce a variety of futures markets once the NHL formally awards a franchise. Bettors could expect odds on the expansion team’s inaugural season point total, playoff qualification, division finish, and Stanley Cup futures long before the club takes the ice.

Expansion would also reshape futures betting markets across the Western Conference. A new Texas franchise would likely be placed in the Central Division, creating additional travel considerations and new regional rivalries with the Dallas Stars.

Another NHL betting angle would involve the NHL Expansion Draft. Similar to Vegas and Seattle, the new franchise would build its roster by selecting players left unprotected by existing clubs.

Sportsbooks could offer markets on which players are selected, expansion draft trades, team point totals, and even Calder Trophy odds for young players who receive larger roles with the new organization.

The success enjoyed by the Golden Knights and Kraken has demonstrated that expansion teams can become competitive much faster than in previous eras. That history is likely to generate significant betting interest if the NHL ultimately approves a franchise in either Austin or Houston.

The NHL’s review process is expected to take roughly six months before any recommendation is presented to the Board of Governors. During that time, league officials and the Friedkin family will evaluate arena proposals, market strength, corporate sponsorship opportunities, and long-term financial viability in both cities.