NHL: New Team Could Arrive by 2029, Texas Focus

The National Hockey League (NHL) is actively exploring the possibility of expansion, with plans for a 33rd team potentially taking to the ice as early as the 2029-2030 season. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the league is engaged in discussions with an ownership group keen on establishing a franchise in Texas.

Daly indicated to The Hockey News that the proposed team's primary market would be Houston, with Austin as a potential alternative. "We have agreed on the framework of a deal and are working towards it," Daly stated, expressing optimism about finalizing agreements by December of this year. The league anticipates the new team could commence play in the 2029-30 season, with the deal finalized in early 2029.

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We have agreed on the framework of a deal and are working towards it.

While expansion talks progress in the United States, Daly addressed the potential for a Canadian expansion, noting a current lack of sufficient interest. "I would say the interest in owning and operating a franchise in Canada is less robust than in some of the US markets," Daly commented, adding that the league already has a significant presence in major Canadian cities.

Historically, Quebec City, once home to the NHL's Nordiques, applied for expansion in 2015. However, the bid, supported by Quebecor, did not advance. Daly mentioned that no potential ownership group has emerged for Quebec City in recent times.

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I would say the interest in owning and operating a franchise in Canada is less robust than in some of the US markets.