Sports News Report
League: NHLSport: HockeyCountry: United StatesCategory: Draft

Potential NHL team could call Texas home in upcoming seasons

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 11:42 AM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Potential NHL team could call Texas home in upcoming seasons
Summary

The NHL may expand to add a 33rd team, potentially based in either Austin or Houston. There is growing interest in the Lone Star State as a viable market for professional hockey. Discussions around expansion continue, with Texas being highlighted due to its population and existing sports culture. No official announcement has been made yet regarding team name or timeline for the league's decision.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsESPN
Key Details
  • •NHL could add a 33rd team soon.
  • •Texas cities Austin and Houston are under consideration.
  • •Discussions about NHL expansion are ongoing.
  • •No details on team name or timeline yet.
Latest Updates
  • 10:00 PMYahoo Sports — Some NHL owners reportedly favoring Houston over Austin for expansion franchise due to TV market
  • 12:26 PMESPN — A hockey team coming to Austin or Houston? What you need to know about NHL expansion
What they're saying
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The NHL is looking to expand to 33 teams at some point in the near future, and the league has circled Texas as the place to do it. Currently, the only NHL franchise located in the Lone Star State is the Dallas Stars. Considering the size of Texas, the league has identified the state as…

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A 33rd team could begin play in the coming seasons -- with its home rink in the Lone Star State.

— ESPNby Ryan Clark and Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski
Related Teams & Leagues
NHLHockey

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