‘We’re moving forward in Texas’: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly puts timeline on potential Houston or Austin expansion franchise

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has indicated the league could announce its 33rd franchise before the end of 2026, with the team potentially playing by the 2029-30 season. Houston and Austin are the frontrunner cities, with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin's Pursuit Sports group having already agreed to a reported $2 billion expansion fee. Talks between Friedkin and the NHL are set to resume in September, with a final decision on the host city and Board of Governors approval still pending.