government
Houston, Austin in consideration for NHL expansion franchise
By Michael Horton, Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 / 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 The Pearland
The possibility of an NHL expansion franchise in Pearland 's neighboring city, Houston, or Austin, raises questions about the potential economic impact on the region. As the Friedkin family evaluates both cities, they will likely consider factors such as venue options, fan base enthusiasm, and corporate support. In Houston, the presence of a new NHL team could lead to increased traffic and development in areas surrounding a potential arena, potentially affecting nearby communities like Pearland. Meanwhile, the city of Pearland may also benefit from the increased regional attention and potential partnerships with a new NHL franchise. The evaluation process will be closely watched by local business leaders and residents, who will be interested in seeing how a new team could enhance the region's sports landscape and contribute to its economic growth. The decision will have significant implications for the local economy, infrastructure, and community development.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Horton, Randy McIlvoy at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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