League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Mark Messier supports NHL expansion to Houston, cites city's readiness

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 9:21 PM

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

Mark Messier supports NHL expansion to Houston, cites city's readiness

Summary

Mark Messier expressed strong support for Houston becoming home to an NHL expansion team during a media call on September 23, 2026. The Hockey Hall of Famer highlighted the city’s suitability for a franchise, influenced by local billionaire Dan Friedkin's exploration of the possibility. Messier's connection to Houston dates back to his early career in the 1979-80 season when he played minor league games with the Houston Apollos. Messier believes Houston is now ready for an NHL team, emphasizing its long-standing potential and recent developments that favor an expansion bid.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mark Messier believes Houston is 'well-suited' for an NHL team.
•Billionaire Dan Friedkin is vetting Houston for a potential franchise.
•Messier played minor league hockey in Houston early in his career.
•The NHL anticipates an expansion decision by year's end.

Latest Updates

9:21 PMYahoo Sports — Hockey legend Mark Messier: 'No question' Houston is ready for NHL expansion team

What they're saying

"
More than 45 years after he played his only minor league games in Houston, Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier says the city is "well-suited" for an NHL team.
— Yahoo Sports

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