NHL Expansion Talks Heat Up, Houston’s Dan Friedkin Emerges as Front-Runner

HOUSTON, Texas — American billionaire Dan Friedkin is being touted as a leading contender to bring the NHL to Houston, sources confirmed to ESPN. The NHL has reportedly engaged with Friedkin’s group, which shows an increasing interest in acquiring a franchise for the city.

Friedkin, who leads The Friedkin Group based in Houston, has made strides in the world of professional sports ownership in recent years. Notably, in 2024, the group became the majority owner of the English Premier League club Everton and assisted in securing £350 million for a new stadium.

Despite efforts to reach The Friedkin Group for comments, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed via email that the league has met with the group on multiple occasions regarding potential expansion in Houston.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has recently attempted to quell expansion rumors, clarifying that it was not a primary topic during this fall’s Board of Governors meeting. Instead, Bettman emphasized that current negotiations center around a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the NHL Players’ Association. Formal discussions for the new CBA are set to start on April 1.

While the NHL has expanded from 30 to 32 teams with the additions of Vegas and Seattle in recent years, any future expansion could potentially see the league add two franchises simultaneously, possibly staggering their debut seasons.

HSternly opposed has been Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, who previously explored the possibility of NHL ownership after the discussions between the league and Friedkin’s group intensified, making Friedkin’s bid seem increasingly viable.

Interest in NHL expansions is not exclusive to Houston. Discussions around Atlanta‘s potential return to the league have surfaced, given that the NHL has historically departed from the city twice, most recently in 2011 when the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg. Reports suggest some progress has been made regarding Atlanta’s candidacy for a franchise.

Recently, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced on social media that he had a productive discussion with NHL representatives about the prospect of a team in New Orleans, demonstrating the league’s wide-reaching interest across North America.

At the last NHL All-Star weekend, Bettman mentioned interest from various cities, including Omaha, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Houston, and Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City has since secured a relocated team from Atlanta, marking the league’s return to the Utah market.