NHL officials assess potential expansion to Houston or Austin

The NHL is evaluating a potential expansion to Texas, with Houston and Austin under consideration as locations for a 33rd franchise. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that the Board of Governors has yet to reach a consensus on adding another team to the league. The current process involves nonbinding discussions with Dan Friedkin and his family, who would face an estimated $3.5 billion commitment for an expansion fee and arena construction. While some league owners have expressed reservations about exceeding the current 32-team structure, the board plans to address the subject at a meeting on September 22 in New York. A final decision remains pending, and league officials emphasize that the initiative is not a finalized agreement. The NHL Players' Association is monitoring the situation, though the union maintains it has no direct role in expansion approval.

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