No decision made on possible NHL expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, after board discusses it
The NHL Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, for the first time since beginning an exploration process with a potential ownership group interested in putting a team there.
New York - On Tuesday, the NHL's Board of Governors met to discuss potential expansion into Houston or Austin, Texas, but no decisions were made, according to Commissioner Gary Bettman. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly reported that billionaire Dan Friedkin had briefed the board about the situation, and the league's 32 clubs were also briefed.
Bettman emphasized that expansion is a multibillion-dollar transaction that would impact all other teams in the league, and a significant number of governors need to be comfortable with the decision. The investment required for expansion is estimated at $3.5 billion, including the fee paid to owners and the cost of building a new arena.
Daly stated that Friedkin's Pursuit Sports had explored potential sites in Houston and Austin, but much work remains to be done, including deciding between a major U.S. media market and a city without a team in major North American men's professional sports leagues. The next board meeting is scheduled for December, with a term sheet for a six-month exploration, but there is no guarantee it will be completed by the end of the year.
Daly mentioned that the league is still gathering direction from the board, as opinions among owners vary. The NHL also continues to receive expressions of interest from ownership options in Atlanta and the Phoenix area.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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