Potential Expansion Cities
The National Hockey League is exploring the possibility of adding two new franchises, and the conversation has quickly turned to a handful of North American cities that could host the next generation of teams.
Austin, Texas, checks many of the boxes the league values: a growing population, a vibrant media market, and a sports‑savvy community that already cheers for Austin FC of Major League Soccer and the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League.
Just a few hundred miles away, Houston presents a similarly compelling case. The city boasts a deep‑rooted hockey heritage, a history of supporting professional teams, and a potential ownership group led by Dan Friedkin, who is actively pursuing an expansion franchise.
Other markets are also in the mix. Atlanta has a committed investor group and a plan to construct an arena that aligns with its season‑ticket base, while Phoenix has endured decades of NHL support despite being a large media market. Québec City offers a state‑of‑the‑art arena in the Videotron Centre and a passionate fan base eager for a return, and New Orleans brings a unique cultural flavor, though its professional hockey footprint is brief.
Indianapolis and other locales are being examined as well, but the final decision will hinge on a combination of arena availability, ownership stability, and the ability to tap into existing sports ecosystems.
If the league proceeds with two expansions, the chosen cities will join the current roster of franchises, reshaping the competitive landscape and expanding the NHL’s footprint across the continent.