Houston mayor promotes city as preferred site for new NHL franchise

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has formally declared the city’s readiness to host the NHL's 33rd franchise. The league is currently conducting a six-month evaluation process to decide between Houston and Austin, Texas, as the site for potential expansion. This assessment, involving Commissioner Gary Bettman and The Friedkin Group, is scheduled to conclude in December. Mayor Whitmire emphasized Houston’s standing as a major media market and its experience managing multiple professional sports teams as key advantages. The successful applicant will be required to construct a new arena as part of a proposed $3.5 billion investment project. The NHL has maintained a 32-team structure since the 2021-22 season and is now considering its first addition in Texas since the relocation of the Minnesota North Stars to Dallas in 1993.

• 10:44 PMYahoo Sports — Houston's efforts to land NHL franchise: Why Mayor John Whitmire proclaims 'We're ready'