NHL still has work to do before approving expanding to a 33rd team in Houston or Austin, Texas

The NHL is considering expanding to a 33rd team in either Houston or Austin, Texas, as reported by the Associated Press. However, there are still hurdles to overcome before the league can approve the expansion. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that the Board of Governors needs to be fully convinced of the idea. Daly mentioned that both the Friedkin family, who are exploring the possibility, and the NHL are working hard to achieve the goal, but it is not a done deal.

The next board meeting is scheduled for September 22 in New York. Currently, some teams have expressed reservations about expanding beyond the current 32 teams. The league has not yet received clear direction from its board regarding the expansion. Daly believes that if the right city and owners are found, and it would benefit the league, there would be support for expansion.

However, they will ensure that expansion is necessary before proceeding. One factor to consider is whether Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city with a growing, young, and affluent population, or Austin, the state capital of Texas, would be more suitable. Both cities would require a new, state-of-the-art arena, although having one ready for the 2029-30 season might be ambitious.

The Friedkin family's Pursuit Sports did not comment to the press. The NHL Players' Association is monitoring the situation, and Executive Director Marty Walsh has had conversations with Commissioner Gary Bettman over the past couple of years. The players' association will represent the players and address various aspects if and when expansion occurs.