Austin hockey fans have plenty to be excited about: the National Hockey League has officially begun exploring Texas as a destination for an expansion franchise, with Austin among the cities under consideration.
According to reports from ESPN, AP News, NHL.com, and Pro Hockey Rumors, the NHL has granted the Friedkin Group — led by billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family — exclusive rights to explore expansion opportunities in Texas. Both Austin and Houston are being evaluated as potential homes for a new NHL team.
The news sent a buzz through the Austin sports community, with local fans reacting enthusiastically to the possibility of a major-league hockey franchise calling the city home. KXAN Austin reported on the wave of fan excitement that followed the announcement, reflecting just how eager Austinites are to welcome yet another professional sports team to their growing city.
Austin has already established itself as a serious sports town, home to Austin FC in Major League Soccer and a thriving minor-league scene. The addition of an NHL franchise would mark another landmark moment in the city’s rise as a major-league sports destination.
While the process is still in its early stages, the Friedkin Group’s exclusive exploration rights signal that Texas — and potentially Austin — is very much on the NHL’s radar as the league looks to grow its footprint in the Lone Star State.
Sources: AP News, KXAN Austin
