NHL’s Bill Daly says expansion team in Houston or Austin could play by 2029-30

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed during the league's European Media Tour that the NHL is on track to award its 33rd franchise to Texas, with an announcement possible by the end of 2024. Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin's group, Pursuit Sports, has already agreed to pay a $2 billion expansion fee to bring a team to either Houston or Austin. The new franchise could begin play as early as the 2029-30 season, pending arena construction and final approval from the NHL's Board of Governors.