With a ready arena and growing hockey presence, the league’s next expansion may land in the heart of Houston, Texas.
Businessman Dan Friedkin may be the key to bringing an NHL team to Houston.
Who is Dan Friedkin?
According to ESPN, the billionaire sports owner has met with the NHL on multiple occasions to discuss expansion interest.
Friedkin is CEO of The Friedkin Group, a Houston-based company that recently acquired Premier League football club Everton, in England. His group also helped secure $443 million for Everton’s new stadium.
Friedkin already owns the Serie A’s Italian football club AS Roma.
In addition to athletics, the group owns hospitality management firm Auberge Resorts, which has properties in the U.S., Mexico and Europe.
A Houston franchise would be The Friedkin Group’s first American professional sports team. Friedkin’s financial backing and ties to the Houston market make him a serious suitor in an NHL expansion team bid.
Per Sportico, Friedkin was among four final suitors who explored purchasing the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
The Celtics sold to another buyer, William Chisholm, at a record valuation of $6.1 billion. In 2023, the NFL’s Washington Commanders sold for $6.05 billion, the then highest price in North American sports.
The record sale reflects rising franchise values in U.S. sports. Houston has potential for one of the most ready-made markets if, or when, the NHL expands again.
Houston is Ready
Originally built for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the Toyota Center is already NHL-ready, or close to it.
While the dual-sport capability (NBA/NHL) was done under the previous ownership in 2003, the foundation is in place.
Space City hosts franchises in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and multiple hockey teams across lower leagues. At the AHL-level, the Houston Aeros played at the Toyota Center until 2013 before an Iowa relocation.
Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, has publicly stated he’s “very interested” in landing an NHL franchise. In 2024, Fertitta announced a $30 million renovation to modernize Toyota Center, which included permanent ice-making equipment.
An NBA/NHL arrangement would likely mirror other shared venues around the league such as the Knicks and Rangers.
Market Potential
As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston houses 2.31 million people. Home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, Houston has immediate corporate presence to support an NHL franchise.
Houston, Texas, holds the No. 7 spot among U.S. television markets, with a population of 4,165,000 aged 12 and older. Every city ranked above it has an NHL team present in its city or in the surrounding area.
In the No. 5 spot leading the television markets is Dallas, Texas. Houston presents a strong case for expansion, with a new franchise creating an instant in-state rivalry. H-Town versus Big D (little A, double L-A-S) could tap into a massive viewership base across the state.
Hockey Already Lives in Texas
Texas supports multiple hockey teams across the lower leagues.
The AHL’s Texas Stars, affiliate of the Dallas Stars, play in Cedar Park. Representing the ECHL is the Allen Americans, affiliate to the most recent NHL expansion, Utah Hockey Club.
The NAHL also has a strong presence throughout Texas. Teams include the Amarillo Wranglers, Corpus Christi IceRays, El Paso Rhinos, Lone Star Brahmas and Odessa Jackalopes.
As a whole, Texas has a history of grassroots hockey initiatives that have grown interest in the sport. From junior hockey, to minor league pros, to nonprofit youth sports organizations, there’s proven demand for hockey in the state.
Other Cities in the Mix
With increasing financial stakes for prospective NHL franchise owners, hefty fees are involved in expansions. Utah Hockey Club, established in 2024, involved a $1.2 billion fee paid by Smith Entertainment Group. Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, led the group.
Significantly higher than previous expansion fees, the price tag reflects the NHL’s growing market value. For context, the Vegas Golden Knights paid a $500 million fee in 2017. Four years later, Seattle paid $650 million.
Utah’s price tag is a more than 80% jump. Any new expansion will likely exceed those numbers.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman previously named Atlanta, Kansas City, Cincinnati and Omaha as potential hockey markets with expressed interest.
Atlanta is the only city to have lost two NHL franchises, the Atlanta Flames (1972-1980) and the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011). Both teams later relocated, with the Flames becoming the Calgary Flames, and the Thrashers becoming the Winnipeg Jets.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X this week about a “productive call” with the NHL regarding New Orleans.
https://x.com/LAGovJeffLandry/status/1902370149107171521
Arizona’s return to the NHL could also be in the mix if a viable ownership group and arena plan emerge.
The NHL is healthy, and the league continues to grow its U.S. presence. Big picture, Houston has a lot to offer. If the league pulls the trigger on expansion, it’s hard to imagine a better fit.
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on X for more sports articles like this one.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
“From Our
Haus
to Yours”
