government
Houston, Austin in consideration for NHL expansion franchise
By Michael Horton, Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
The National Hockey League has taken a major step toward expanding into Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as the leading candidates for a new franchise.Following Tuesday’s NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league has approved the process...
Key takeaway Following Tuesday’s NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league has approved the process for a new expansion team in Texas.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The prospect of an NHL expansion franchise in Magnolia 's neighboring city of Houston or Austin brings significant economic implications for the region. A new team would likely draw fans from across Montgomery County, including Magnolia, boosting local businesses and creating new job opportunities. The Friedkin family's interest in bringing an NHL team to Texas is a testament to the state's growing appeal as a sports hub. As the evaluation process begins, Magnolia residents can expect to see increased discussion about the potential benefits and challenges of hosting an NHL team in the area. With Houston's existing sports infrastructure and Austin's thriving entertainment scene, both cities offer unique advantages that could support a successful franchise. As the decision unfolds, Magnolia residents will be watching closely to see how a new NHL team might impact their community and the regional sports landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The National Hockey League has taken a major step toward expanding into Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as the leading candidates for a new franchise.Following Tuesday’s NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league has approved the process...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Horton, Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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