NHL Eyes Houston or Austin for Expansion by 2029-30 Season

Austin, TX, August 22, 2026 —

The National Hockey League (NHL) is reportedly considering Houston or Austin, Texas, as potential locations for a new expansion team, with a possible awarding of a franchise by the 2029-30 season.

According to a Reuters report, the league is evaluating these two major Texas cities as part of its future expansion plans. The timeline suggests that a decision could be made, and a team potentially awarded, in time for the 2029-30 NHL season.

Details regarding the specific criteria for awarding a franchise or the current stage of negotiations were not provided in the report. The NHL has previously expanded to new markets, with recent additions including franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.

Both Houston and Austin are large metropolitan areas with significant populations and growing sports markets. Houston is home to several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Texans, MLB’s Astros, and NBA’s Rockets. Austin, the state capital, has seen rapid population growth and has professional teams in MLB (Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers), and the MLS (Austin FC).

The potential expansion into Texas would mark a significant move for the NHL, as the state already has an NHL presence with the Dallas Stars. Further details regarding the evaluation process and potential ownership groups were not immediately available.

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