HOUSTON — Houston and Austin have emerged as the leading Texas candidates for the NHL’s 33rd franchise as Pursuit Sports explores arena, financing and other arrangements needed to bring a team to the state.
Representatives of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority recently met with Pursuit Sports, the sports and entertainment arm of the Friedkin Group, about a potential NHL franchise in Harris County, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Athletic on Friday that Pursuit Sports hopes to reach an agreement and obtain approval from the NHL Board of Governors to play in either Houston or Austin by the end of 2026.
“We’re moving forward in Texas,” Daly said.
Pursuit Sports has also rented office space in Austin and met with leaders there, according to the Austin Business Journal.
Houston officials are preparing a potential financial partnership with Pursuit Sports if the group selects the city. The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority said it could consider a financing structure similar to those used for Daikin Park, Reliant Stadium and Toyota Center.
The authority said any new arena financing could increase its debt, which the potential NHL franchise would repay through annual rent. It also said the arrangement would not change existing agreements with the Astros, Texans or Rockets, and would not require an increase in property taxes.
The NHL has said the new Texas franchise will need a new arena. If Houston wins the bid, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said the team could use Toyota Center temporarily while a new arena is built.
Toyota Center could host NHL games, Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr said, although the facility would require significant upgrades.
Austin could use the Moody Center as a temporary venue, but the arena lacks an ice chiller system and would rank among the NHL’s smallest venues. No Austin official had publicly committed to using the facility for NHL games as of August.
Houston also has an established professional sports market, with teams in the NFL, MLB and NBA. The city has hosted major events including the FIFA World Cup, the men’s NCAA Final Four and the College Football Playoff.
Pursuit Sports is expected to meet with NHL officials again in September as the group continues evaluating the two Texas cities.