NHL Considers Expansion: Austin and Houston in the Spotlight

The National Hockey League (NHL) is reportedly considering expanding its roster of teams. This follows successful expansions that included the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken. The league may soon grow from 32 to 33 teams or even more.

Texas in Focus

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, discussions at the NHL’s board of governors meeting in New York City have highlighted two Texas cities as potential locations: Austin and Houston.

Other Possible Locations

While Houston and Austin are in focus, other cities have also been mentioned in past discussions. Atlanta is a contender despite past attempts, and Quebec City frequently enters conversations as a potential site. The prospect of adding a second team in the Toronto market remains popular as well.

Why Texas?

Texas currently has one NHL team, the Dallas Stars. The American Hockey League’s Texas Stars play in an Austin suburb. Austin, a significant market without a team in any of the major North American leagues, presents a unique opportunity. In contrast, Houston is a large media market but would face competition from existing sports teams like the Astros, Rockets, and Texans.

Historical Context

Austin has been home to several minor league teams, including the Texas Stars. Meanwhile, Houston has a hockey history with teams like the Houston Aeros, most notably during the 1970s in the World Hockey Association, featuring players like Gordie Howe and his sons, Marty and Mark.

Challenges Ahead

Expanding into new markets involves significant financial commitments, with the rumored expansion fee reaching $2 billion. The NHL must weigh these financial considerations along with potential market benefits before making a final decision.

The NHL’s interest in exploring expansion shows a keen interest in growing the sport. Whether this will result in a new team in Texas or elsewhere remains to be seen.