NHL Weighs Houston, Austin Expansion by Year-End

The NHL made no decision on adding a 33rd franchise after its board of governors met in New York, leaving open the possibility that the league could remain at 32 teams. Dan Friedkin’s group is continuing a six-month evaluation of Houston and Austin, with no preferred market identified and arena planning still underway. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league expects to know more by December but has set no firm deadline, while any expansion would require approval from at least three-quarters of the owners. The proposed Texas franchise would reportedly require a $3.5 billion commitment covering a $2 billion expansion fee and a new arena, though the league has not treated the project as a certainty. Reports indicate NHL owners are divided between Houston and Austin, with Houston favored by some influential owners because of its television market, while Atlanta and Phoenix have also drawn interest as potential expansion markets.