The National Hockey League remains cautious about adding a 33rd team in either Houston or Austin, despite ongoing discussions. League officials have emphasized that significant hurdles—including arena readiness, market demand, and financial feasibility—must still be addressed before any expansion is approved. While both cities have expressed strong interest and made progress in securing potential venues, the NHL has not yet signaled a definitive timeline or commitment. Analysts suggest the process could take years, with multiple factors requiring careful evaluation before a final decision.

NHL still has work to do before approving expanding to a 33rd team in Houston or Austin  spectrumlocalnews.com