Dallas‑Fort Worth readers will want to know that the National Hockey League’s expansion talks are moving forward, but a final decision is still months away. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told reporters at the preseason media tour that the league’s Board of Governors must be fully convinced before approving a 33rd franchise in Texas.
Board still needs a clear mandate
“I don’t want to get ahead of the board,” Daly said. “It’s not a done deal on the Friedkin side, and it’s not a done deal on our side.” He emphasized that the current non‑binding term sheet with the Friedkin family is only a framework, and that both parties will continue working toward a mutually agreeable outcome.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 in New York. At the June meeting, Commissioner Gary Bettman unveiled a six‑month agreement with the Friedkin family that would require a total investment of $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee and the construction of a new arena.
Houston or Austin – which market fits?
Two Texas cities are in the running. Houston, the nation’s fourth‑largest city, offers a massive market and a diverse demographic that could broaden the league’s footprint. Austin, the state capital, is a younger, affluent community that has already shown strong support for professional sports.
Daly noted, “There’s some benefit to coming first: It’s an up‑and‑coming, growing city, young, affluent — it has a lot going for it. But Houston is enormous, and it is a major market that we’re not in.” Both locations would need a state‑of‑the‑art arena, and while a 2029‑30 opening is ambitious, the timeline is being closely examined.
Team owners and players watch the process
The NHL Players’ Association is also monitoring the talks. Executive Director Marty Walsh said the union has no direct say in the decision but will be ready to represent players if the expansion proceeds. “If it happens, we’ll represent the players and talk about a bunch of different things, and if it doesn’t happen, we have a strong league right now,” Walsh added.
Local business leaders and sports fans in both Houston and Austin are already discussing the potential economic boost a new arena could bring, from job creation to increased tourism. While the Friedkin family’s Pursuit Sports declined comment, the prospect of a major league team has sparked optimism among community stakeholders.
What’s next?
Until the Board of Governors reaches a consensus, the expansion remains a work in progress. Fans in Texas should keep an eye on the Sept. 22 meeting for any definitive direction. In the meantime, the NHL will continue its outreach to ensure that whichever city is chosen can support a successful franchise and contribute to the league’s growth.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
