The NHL’s Board of Governors discusses possible expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas, but makes no decision. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league does not yet reach a point where a vote is scheduled, indicating the process is still ongoing.
The meeting is described as the first since the NHL began exploring Houston and Austin in June. Bettman says the Dan Friedkin group has “a lot of work to do” before the league determines next steps. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly has spoken with Friedkin’s group and received a full report, and representatives from the league’s 32 current teams are briefed on the situation.
Across outlets, the main difference is timing expectations. One account says the league expects a decision on Houston or Austin by the end of the year, while another reports that no timeline is set for when a potential vote could occur. Both accounts agree that discussions continue and no formal expansion decision is made at this stage.
