Austin Emerges as Preferred City in NHL's Texas Expansion Study
ESPN reports the Friedkin family now favors Austin over Houston, but the league's six-month evaluation still requires Board of Governors approval.
Austin has emerged as the Friedkin family's preferred city during its study of a possible second NHL franchise in Texas, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The formal process remains an evaluation, not an approved expansion. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced June 23 that the league and the Friedkin family had entered a six-month framework to study Houston and Austin. Bettman estimated the family's total investment at about $3.5 billion, including an expansion fee and a new arena.
Houston was the original focus of the Friedkins' discussions with the NHL. Bettman said those talks had been underway for roughly two years before Austin entered the evaluation, in part because either city would require a new building.
ESPN reported that Austin gained momentum because of its growth, technology-sector wealth and the chance for an NHL club to become the city's first team from the four largest men's North American leagues. Austin FC began Major League Soccer play in 2021, while the Texas Stars have played AHL hockey in suburban Cedar Park since 2009.
Houston remains the larger and more established professional sports market. It is also the largest U.S. metropolitan area without an NHL team, according to ESPN.
The Friedkins' preference does not decide the market. Bettman said any completed proposal would still require approval from the NHL Board of Governors. He also said the Dallas Stars do not hold territorial rights that would prevent the league from adding another Texas franchise.
