NEW YORK — The NHL is exploring expansion opportunities in Texas, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential destinations for a future franchise, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
The possibility of expansion is being discussed during the league's Board of Governors meeting in New York on Tuesday.
The NHL last expanded from 30 to 32 teams with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights, who began play in the 2017-18 season, and the Seattle Kraken, who debuted in 2021-22. Vegas paid a $500 million expansion fee, while Seattle paid $650 million.
Earlier this month during the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league continues to receive inquiries from prospective ownership groups and cities across North America interested in securing an NHL franchise.
Bettman previously told team owners that any future expansion would likely require a fee of at least $2 billion to be financially viable for the league.
The NHL is considering expansion amid strong financial growth. League revenue is projected to reach between $7.5 billion and $8 billion this season, and the salary cap will rise to $104 million for the 2026-27 season, an increase of $8.5 million from the previous year.
Currently, the Dallas Stars are the NHL’s only team in Texas after relocating from Minnesota in 1993.
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