Expansion: Two markets (other than Atlanta and Quebec City) in the works for the 29-30 season

Marc-Olivier Cook
Expansion: Two markets (other than Atlanta and Quebec City) in the works for the 29-30 season
Credit: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

The NHL appears to be ready to move on to the next phase of its expansion.

Appearing on Jimmy Murphy's “Sick Podcast – The Eye Test,” Assistant Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that Houston is currently the league's top priority for adding a new franchise.

“We are primarily interested, as are our owners, in a potential expansion franchise in Houston.” – Bill Daly

He did, however, clarify that the door remains open to another possibility in Texas—namely, Austin—even though Houston is clearly the favorite market: 

What's interesting is that Daly refers to the '29–'30 season as a timeline for the arrival of a new NHL team. It's coming, so…

But there's another market that's also drawing attention for the potential addition of a 33rd team: Austin, Texas. It looks like it's coming down to these two cities for the 33rd club… and if we're to believe Allan Walsh, we'll also see a 34th team settle in Atlanta in due course.

These comments add fuel to the many rumors that have been circulating for several years regarding NHL expansion.

With a population of over two million, a large pool of potential sponsors, and a thriving economy, Houston checks several boxes the league is looking for… And let's not forget that it's also the largest U.S. market without an NHL team.

It seemed like it was only a matter of time for Houston, and all signs point to that moment drawing closer…

Of course, we also know that cities like Quebec City—or even a return to Arizona—continue to fuel discussions among fans.

But one thing is certain: Bill Daly's comments show that the expansion project is no longer just theoretical. The NHL is actively working on the matter, and if everything goes as planned, Houston could host hockey from the world's best league in less than three years… even though it would have been fun to see it happen in Quebec City.


In Brief

– Note.

– I like that.

– He's on fire.

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