The NHL has put Texas squarely on its expansion map, and it's eyeing not one but two cities for its 33rd franchise. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday the league has a deal with billionaire Dan Friedkin's family to spend about six months studying whether Austin or Houston could support a team, backed by a $3.5 billion investment that includes both the expansion fee and a new arena, ESPN reports. Bettman called south Texas a major national market and said a second team in the state wouldn't clash with the Dallas Stars' territorial rights, adding that he expects the Stars will see it as a plus for hockey in Texas.
Houston, the nation's No. 4 metro area, has long been viewed as a top NHL candidate, but Austin's inclusion adds leverage and flexibility. Austin's population, just over 1 million, has doubled since the mid-1990s. The Friedkins, whose sports holdings include stakes in Everton and AS Roma, said both cities have the infrastructure, fan base, and economic muscle to sustain a "championship-caliber" team. Bettman, who's open to having an odd number of clubs, said expansion will hinge on whether it strengthens the league, which is projecting record revenue of up to $8 billion. Talks with groups in Atlanta and Arizona continue but lag behind the Texas effort.
Both cities have hockey history. Houston had a World Hockey Association franchise beginning in 1972, best known for having Gordie Howe and his sons Mark and Marty on the roster. The Aeros won four Avco World Trophies, per the AP. An American Hockey League team using the same name existed in Houston from 1994-2013. The Texas Stars have played in Austin since 2009.
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