NHL considers Austin and Houston for future expansion teams
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 7:10 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
The NHL is exploring the possibility of expanding into Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential cities for new teams. This initiative indicates the league's interest in increasing its footprint in non-traditional hockey markets. As the process begins, further details on timelines and exact plans have yet to be released.
- •NHL looks to start expansion process in Texas.
- •Austin and Houston are primary targets for new teams.
- •The league aims to tap into non-traditional hockey markets.
- 8:38 PMYahoo Sports — Why NHL is likely to lean towards Houston over Austin for expansion team
- 10:56 PMYahoo Sports — All to know from the recently announced Texas NHL expansion
- 10:50 PMESPN NHL — Sources: NHL eyes Austin, Houston for expansion
- 9:45 PMYahoo Sports — In Texas, NHL Appears Eager To Continue Southern Expansion Success
"After the NHL announced that the League will be exploring their 33rd franchise through an expansion to either Houston or Austin, Texas, research and reports indicate that Houston already has Austin beat in terms of population, media markets and other professional sports.
"The NHL has announced that they are ready to explore putting a second team in Texas, with a procedure put in place to evaluate the possibility of expanding to either Houston or Austin, Texas.
"The NHL is exploring expansion to 34 teams, with the leading candidates both in Texas (Houston and Austin) as the league is emboldened by southern team success.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 8:38 PMWhy NHL is likely to lean towards Houston over Austin for expansion team
After the NHL announced that the League will be exploring their 33rd franchise through an expansion to either Houston or Austin, Texas, research and reports indicate that Houston already has Austin beat in terms of population, media markets and other professional sports.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 10:56 PMAll to know from the recently announced Texas NHL expansion
The NHL has announced that they are ready to explore putting a second team in Texas, with a procedure put in place to evaluate the possibility of expanding to either Houston or Austin, Texas.
- ESPN NHLJun 23, 2026, 10:50 PMSources: NHL eyes Austin, Houston for expansion
The NHL is exploring putting a second team in Texas, with Austin and Houston as potential targets, commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 9:45 PMIn Texas, NHL Appears Eager To Continue Southern Expansion Success
The NHL is exploring expansion to 34 teams, with the leading candidates both in Texas (Houston and Austin) as the league is emboldened by southern team success.
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