NHL Considers Expansion for 33rd Team, Texas Cities Among Potential Locations
The NHL is considering expansion for a 33rd team, with Houston and Austin mentioned as potential locations, but the league still needs to complete further work before an approval can be made.
Austin, TX, September 9, 2026 — The National Hockey League (NHL) is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding a 33rd franchise to its current lineup. As part of these considerations, two Texas cities, Houston and Austin, have been identified as potential locations for a new expansion team.
The league’s review process is ongoing, and while these cities are being discussed, the NHL has indicated that further work is required before any definitive decisions can be made regarding expansion or the selection of a host city. Specific details about the timeline or the nature of the remaining work were not provided.
The potential expansion would mark the addition of a 33rd team to the league, which currently comprises 32 teams. The NHL has not publicly disclosed which entities are pursuing expansion bids for these cities, nor has it specified the criteria being used to evaluate potential markets at this stage.
Both Houston and Austin represent large metropolitan areas within Texas, a state that has seen significant growth in recent years. The NHL already has a presence in Texas with the Dallas Stars, who joined the league as an expansion team in 1993.
At present, the NHL has not announced a specific date for any potential expansion approval or team launch. The league’s statement suggests that a thorough evaluation process is underway, and further announcements will be made as developments occur.
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