NHL Not Rushing Expansion Decision
The high-stakes decision is developing without any rigid timetable.
The NHL is still waiting to make a decision on expanding to Texas by December. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated there is still substantial work to be done before choosing either Houston or Austin as the new market. The decision is a complex, multi-billion dollar transaction that requires careful consideration and approval from many in the league.
The expansion, which will bring a second Texas team to join the Dallas Stars, is expected to cost around $3.5 billion. While the Texas market considerations are ongoing, there is also significant interest in expanding to Atlanta and Phoenix. The league is set to benefit from a new, 12-year English-language media rights deal with Rogers Communications for Canada, valued at $7.7 billion, which will run through the 2037-38 season.
Bettman highlighted that local media consumption is evolving, with various markets adopting different forms of television, streaming, and cable services. The NHL is also preparing for a new set of U.S. television contracts starting in 2028, aiming to capitalize on their rising popularity and national prominence. Despite Ted Leonsis becoming the new chair of the NHL BOG, replacing Jeremy Jacobs, the league’s focus remains on its growing revenue base.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
