NHL Eyes $2 Billion Expansion Team in Houston or Austin

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 23

Houston and Austin emerged at Tuesday's NHL board of governors meeting in New York as the leading candidates for the league's next expansion team, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
The push follows the NHL's successful growth to 32 teams through Vegas, Seattle and Utah, with owners now weighing a rumored $2 billion expansion fee and the next market to target.
Austin offers a chance to enter the largest U.S. market without a team in the four major North American leagues, and already hosts the Texas Stars, Dallas' AHL affiliate, in a suburb.
Houston would give the NHL a foothold in one of the biggest U.S. markets it still lacks, though a new club would compete with the Astros, Rockets and Texans for fans and spending.
Other cities including Atlanta, Arizona, Quebec City and a second Toronto-area team remain in the conversation, but the latest discussions suggest the league is currently zeroing in on Texas.