The NHL may be taking another serious look at Texas.
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According to ESPN, the league is expected to begin exploring expansion opportunities in the Lone Star State, with Austin and Houston emerging as two potential destinations for a future franchise.
The topic was reportedly discussed during the NHL Board of Governors meetings in New York.
While no expansion team has been officially approved, the league's interest in Texas comes as the NHL continues to enjoy record-setting financial growth. League revenues are projected to reach between $7.5 billion and $8 billion this season, and the salary cap is set to rise to $104 million for the 2026-27 campaign.
The NHL most recently expanded with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. Vegas paid a $500 million expansion fee, while Seattle's fee climbed to $650 million.
Any future franchise would come at a significantly higher price.
Commissioner Gary Bettman said earlier this month that the league continues to receive interest from prospective owners and cities across North America. Bettman has previously indicated that any new expansion club would likely require a fee of at least $2 billion.
Houston has long been viewed as a potential NHL market due to its size and existing sports infrastructure. Austin, meanwhile, has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and has increasingly attracted interest from major professional sports leagues.
For now, expansion remains in the exploratory stage. But if the NHL decides to grow beyond its current 32 teams, Texas appears to be firmly in the conversation.
