The National Hockey League is taking a significant step towards expanding its reach in the United States, announcing the launch of a formal exploration process to assess the viability of a new franchise in either Houston or Austin. The move marks a major development in the league's efforts to tap into the growing demand for professional hockey in the southern states. As the NHL continues to experience steady growth and increased popularity, a new expansion team would not only bring the excitement of the sport to a fresh audience but also provide a boost to the local economies of these Texas cities. With the league's owners set to embark on a thorough evaluation of the market, fans in Houston and Austin are eagerly awaiting the possibility of a new team calling their city home.

NHL opening expansion process, to explore viability of franchise in Houston or Austin  The New York Times