NHL still weighing expansion in Houston vs. Austin

The NHL is in committed expansion talks with billionaire Dan Friedkin to place a new franchise in either Houston or Austin, Texas, with the exact city yet to be determined. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated the league aims to finalize talks with the Friedkin Group and receive Board of Governors approval by the end of 2026. The target is for the new team to play its first game in the 2029-30 season.