NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston, Austin

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday that the league has entered a six-month evaluation process to explore expansion into either Houston or Austin, Texas, which would create the NHL's 33rd franchise. The Friedkin family, led by Dan Friedkin of The Friedkin Group, has been identified as the prospective owner, with an anticipated investment of approximately $3.5 billion covering the expansion fee and construction of a new arena. The league has been in discussions with the Friedkin family for nearly two years, and the evaluation phase will determine which Texas market is best suited for a new team.