NHL Reaches Agreement With Friedkin Family on Potential Texas Expansion

The NHL has entered an agreement with the Friedkin family to explore placing a second team in Texas, with Austin and Houston as potential locations, commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday after a board of governors meeting. The Friedkin family has roughly six months to determine whether a team is feasible in either city.

The $3.5 billion investment covers both an expansion fee and arena construction costs.

Background on the Process Bettman said the league evaluates expansion based on ownership, market, arena, and overall benefit to the league. Houston ranks as a major national market, he noted. The new team would not affect territorial rights held by the existing Texas franchise that has played in Dallas since 1993.

Bettman said the current franchise would likely view the addition as positive for hockey in the state.

The NHL has added two teams since 2017, paying $500 million for the Vegas Golden Knights and $650 million for the Seattle Kraken. League revenues this season are projected between $7.5 billion and $8 billion. The salary cap for the 2026-27 season is set at $104 million, an $8.5 million increase from the prior year.

Bettman said the agreement with the Friedkin family does not prevent the league from considering other markets. "There was an update on Atlanta, there was an update on Arizona and there was an update on South Texas," Bettman said.