NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Announces Expansion to Seattle and Houston In a major development for the National Hockey League, Commissioner Gary Bettman has confirmed that the league will be expanding to two new cities: Seattle and Houston. The move marks a significant milestone for the league, which has been eyeing expansion for several years. The new teams are expected to join the league in the 2024-2025 season, bringing the total number of teams to 32. With the addition of these two new markets, the NHL is poised to increase its reach and visibility, potentially attracting new fans and revenue streams.