NHL Governors Will Discuss Texas Expansion Options
The board of governors meets Tuesday to evaluate potential NHL teams in Houston or Austin.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Will the NHL prioritize a larger TV market like Houston for its next expansion team?
The NHL board of governors will convene for its annual preseason meeting on September 22, 2026, to discuss potential league expansion into Texas. Commissioner Gary Bettman is expected to provide an update on the vetting process for a prospective franchise in either Houston or Austin.
Why it matters
The league is exploring the addition of a 33rd franchise to capture new media markets and grow its footprint. Some owners have expressed interest in Houston due to its status as a top-10 television market, aiming to secure a position there before existing media rights agreements expire.
A new Texas franchise requires a $3.5 billion financial commitment. Prospective locations include Houston, the 6th-largest TV market in the U.S., and Austin, which ranks 34th.
The players
Gary Bettman
He serves as the Commissioner of the National Hockey League.
Dan Friedkin
He is an interested party who signed a nonbinding term sheet to potentially bring a team to Texas.
Jeremy Jacobs
He is a prominent NHL owner who has previously advocated for the league to expand into the Houston market.
The details
Dan Friedkin entered into a nonbinding term sheet with the NHL in late June, initiating a six-month exploratory period for a potential team. The league plans to evaluate the viability of these markets while considering a path to expand from the current 32 teams to 33.
Timeline
October 2018: Jeremy Jacobs voiced early support for a Houston NHL franchise.
Late June 2026: Dan Friedkin signed a nonbinding expansion term sheet.
September 2026: The NHL and NHLPA conducted a media tour in Las Vegas.
September 22, 2026: The NHL board of governors holds its annual preseason meeting.
December 2026: The league expects to reach a final decision on expansion.
Season Trajectory
Expanding to 33 teams would alter the league's competitive balance and conference alignment. This pursuit of a new Texas market mirrors recent growth strategies intended to capture larger television audiences in non-traditional hockey regions.
A successful expansion bid would establish a new franchise with a required $3.5 billion investment. Because a new team would not play until the 2029-30 season at the earliest, no immediate changes to divisional standings or team rosters will occur for current fans.
The takeaway
The league is prioritizing high-value television markets to increase its long-term financial reach. Fans interested in a new Texas team should note that the process is in the early exploratory stages with no immediate team arrivals planned.
What happens next
The league is expected to conclude its exploratory period and reach a final expansion decision in December 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on potential growth in the Hockey section.
Live Poll
Will the NHL prioritize a larger TV market like Houston for its next expansion team?
