NHL set to address Houston and Austin expansion bids this week
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 4:47 AM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
The NHL is scheduled to provide an update on potential expansion to Texas during its board of governors meeting. Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to discuss the status of Houston and Austin as potential locations for the league's 33rd franchise. A decision on the expansion is anticipated within three months. The Friedkin Group's nonbinding term sheet with the NHL includes a six-month exploratory period for either city. Houston, with a larger market size, has influential backing, while Austin also has support from newer owners. However, the league may decide to remain at 32 teams if expansion doesn’t proceed.
- •NHL to update on Texas expansion plans this week.
- •Bettman will address Houston and Austin's bids.
- •Decision on expansion expected in three months.
- •Friedkin Group exploring options in both cities.
- •Potential for no change if the board disapproves expansion.
- 4:47 AMYahoo Sports — No decision made on possible NHL expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, after board discusses it
- 10:57 PMYahoo Sports — NHL expects decision on Houston or Austin for potential expansion by end of year
- 1:50 PMYahoo Sports — As NHL's expansion wheel churns, an update on Houston vs. Austin expected this week
"The NHL Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, for the first time since beginning an exploration process with a potential ownership group interested in putting a team there.
"The NHL is expected to provide an update on Houston and Austin this week as the cities are being vetted to possibly house the league's 33rd franchise.
"NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the Dan Friedkin group still has 'a lot of work to do' before a decision is made.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 4:47 AMNo decision made on possible NHL expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, after board discusses it
The NHL Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, for the first time since beginning an exploration process with a potential ownership group interested in putting a team there.
- Yahoo SportsSep 22, 2026, 10:57 PMNHL expects decision on Houston or Austin for potential expansion by end of year
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the Dan Friedkin group still has 'a lot of work to do' before a decision is made.
- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 1:50 PMAs NHL's expansion wheel churns, an update on Houston vs. Austin expected this week
The NHL is expected to provide an update on Houston and Austin this week as the cities are being vetted to possibly house the league's 33rd franchise.
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