NHL exploring Texas expansion opportunities in Houston and Austin, AP source says

June 23, 2026 - 23:55

The National Hockey League is looking into expanding its footprint in Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as potential markets for new franchises, according to a person familiar with the league's plans who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Houston has never hosted an NHL team, but the city has a history with professional hockey. It was home to two previous franchises, both named the Aeros. The first played in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1978, and the second was a minor league team in the American Hockey League from 1994 to 2013. The city's large population and strong corporate base make it an attractive target for the league, which has been steadily growing in the Sun Belt.

Austin, meanwhile, is a fast-growing city with a young demographic and a booming economy. It already supports a minor league team, the Texas Stars, who play in the AHL and have drawn solid crowds. The NHL sees potential in both markets as it considers its next wave of expansion, which could follow the recent additions of the Seattle Kraken and the Utah Hockey Club.

No formal expansion process has been announced, and the league has not set a timeline. But the exploration signals that the NHL is serious about adding more teams in the southern United States, where hockey has gained traction over the past two decades. The Dallas Stars, also in Texas, have been a success since moving from Minnesota in 1993, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999 and remaining competitive.

Any expansion would require approval from the league's board of governors and would likely come with a hefty franchise fee, which has risen into the billions for recent new teams. For now, the NHL is gathering information and gauging interest from potential ownership groups in both Houston and Austin.