NHL Continues Expansion Talks for 33rd Franchise, Texas Cities Under Consideration
The NHL is still working towards approving the expansion for a 33rd team, with potential locations including Houston or Austin, Texas.
Austin, TX, September 9, 2026 —
The National Hockey League (NHL) remains in the process of considering expansion for a 33rd team. Discussions are ongoing as league officials evaluate potential markets for a new franchise.
Among the locations reportedly being considered for this potential expansion are cities within the state of Texas. Specifically, Houston and Austin have been identified as possibilities for hosting a new NHL team. The league’s expansion efforts are aimed at growing its presence across North America.
Details regarding the specific timeline for an approval decision or the criteria being used for market selection have not been fully disclosed. The process for approving new expansion franchises typically involves extensive review of potential ownership groups, arena feasibility, and market demand.
While the NHL has successfully added expansion teams in recent years, such as the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken, the path to a 33rd franchise is subject to league approval. The status of these deliberations indicates that the league is actively exploring options for further growth.
Further information on the NHL’s expansion plans, including any formal proposals or decisions regarding potential new markets, is expected as the process continues. At present, the focus remains on the preliminary stages of evaluation for a 33rd team, with Texas cities like Houston and Austin being key points of discussion.
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