In a significant development for hockey fans in the United States, the National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed a meeting with a billionaire-led consortium exploring the possibility of introducing an expansion team based in Houston. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly's email to The Associated Press on March 20, 2025, laid the groundwork for what could be a monumental shift for the NHL.
The driving force behind this initiative is billionaire Dan Friedkin, whose net worth is estimated at $6.4 billion, according to Forbes. Friedkin, the CEO of The Friedkin Group, has been diversifying his investments in sports and entertainment. Notably, he recently acquired a 98.8% stake in Everton, a prominent club in the English Premier League. Through his conglomerate, he oversees businesses spanning automotive, hospitality, and sports.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential for a Houston NHL franchise, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has been cautious. He has repeatedly clarified that the league is not actively considering expansion at this time. In a past conversation with The AP, Bettman emphasized that the league's approach to any future expansion would be methodical and targeted. The NHL last expanded in 2021, adding the Seattle Kraken to its list of teams, making a total of 32 franchises.
Apart from Houston, there are indicators that Atlanta is again showing interest in reestablishing a hockey franchise after twice losing teams previously. The NHL has fielded calls from various cities expressing interest in adding franchises, with Atlanta positioned as a prime candidate. This uncertainty about the NHL's future directions mirrors the situation in New Orleans, as expressed recently by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who noted a productive dialogue with NHL officials regarding a possible franchise.
Interestingly, Friedkin's rise comes after previous speculation surrounding other potential owners, particularly Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, who has expressed interest in bringing the NHL to Houston since acquiring the NBA franchise in 2017. Fertitta suggested he would support pursuing a hockey team only if the terms were right. “The NHL would be great for Houston,” he remarked on one occasion.
The interest in expansion comes at a time when the league is dealing with pressing issues, including negotiation for a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players' Association set to commence on April 1, 2025. Bettman reiterated that the NHL's immediate focus remains these negotiations, as well as resolving broadcasting deals with a Canadian provider.
The NHL's model for expansion has changed in recent years, with the league previously allowing multiple franchises to apply simultaneously. Now, according to Bettman, the process will be more selective, with interested parties being evaluated one at a time. The last expansions saw the Golden Knights begin play in the 2017-2018 season and the Kraken's debut in 2021-2022. Speculation suggests that future expansion costs could reach close to $1 billion, driven by the financial success observed in the markets of Las Vegas and Seattle.
Friedkin's ambitions extend beyond hockey; he has also been actively involved in major investments in other sports franchises, having acquired a majority stake in Everton in 2024 and considering a bid for the Boston Celtics, which was sold recently for a record $6.1 billion. This diversified portfolio signifies his commitment to developing a stronghold in professional sports.
While discussions about an NHL team in Houston are still in the exploratory phase, both Friedkin's bidding efforts and the NHL's response indicate a developing interest that could shape the future of hockey in the U.S. The league's executives have confirmed ongoing deliberations with Friedkin's group, where they have met several times regarding the feasibility of establishing a franchise in Houston.
In summary, as the landscape of North American hockey continues to evolve, the prospect of a Houston NHL team remains an exciting possibility. With Friedkin's demonstrated commitment to sports ownership and the city's rich history with hockey, the future could be bright for hockey in Houston, pending the NHL's decisions on expansion.
