With a prepared area and rising hockey presence, the league’s subsequent growth could land within the coronary heart of Houston, Texas.
Businessman Dan Friedkin stands out as the key to bringing an NHL crew to Houston.
Who’s Dan Friedkin?
In line with ESPN, the billionaire sports activities proprietor has met with the NHL on a number of events to debate growth curiosity.
Friedkin is CEO of The Friedkin Group, a Houston-based firm that lately acquired Premier League soccer membership Everton, in England. His group additionally helped safe $443 million for Everton’s new stadium.
Friedkin already owns the Serie A’s Italian soccer membership AS Roma.
Along with athletics, the group owns hospitality administration agency Auberge Resorts, which has properties within the U.S., Mexico and Europe.
A Houston franchise can be The Friedkin Group’s first American skilled sports activities crew. Friedkin’s monetary backing and ties to the Houston market make him a critical suitor in an NHL growth crew bid.
Per Sportico, Friedkin was amongst 4 closing suitors who explored buying the NBA’s Boston Celtics.
The Celtics offered to a different purchaser, William Chisholm, at a report valuation of $6.1 billion. In 2023, the NFL’s Washington Commanders offered for $6.05 billion, the then highest worth in North American sports activities.
The report sale displays rising franchise values in U.S. sports activities. Houston has potential for one of the ready-made markets if, or when, the NHL expands once more.
Houston is Prepared
Initially constructed for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the Toyota Heart is already NHL-ready, or near it.
Whereas the dual-sport functionality (NBA/NHL) was completed beneath the earlier possession in 2003, the muse is in place.
House Metropolis hosts franchises within the NFL, NBA, MLB, and a number of hockey groups throughout decrease leagues. On the AHL-level, the Houston Aeros performed on the Toyota Heart till 2013 earlier than an Iowa relocation.
Tilman Fertitta, proprietor of the Houston Rockets, has publicly said he’s “very ” in touchdown an NHL franchise. In 2024, Fertitta introduced a $30 million renovation to modernize Toyota Heart, which included everlasting ice-making tools.
An NBA/NHL association would probably mirror different shared venues across the league such because the Knicks and Rangers.
Market Potential
Because the fourth-largest metropolis within the U.S., Houston homes 2.31 million individuals. Residence to 24 Fortune 500 firms, Houston has fast company presence to assist an NHL franchise.
Houston, Texas, holds the No. 7 spot amongst U.S. tv markets, with a inhabitants of 4,165,000 aged 12 and older. Each metropolis ranked above it has an NHL crew current in its metropolis or within the surrounding space.
Within the No. 5 spot main the tv markets is Dallas, Texas. Houston presents a powerful case for growth, with a brand new franchise creating an immediate in-state rivalry. H-City versus Huge D (little A, double L-A-S) may faucet into a large viewership base throughout the state.
Hockey Already Lives in Texas
Texas helps a number of hockey groups throughout the decrease leagues.
The AHL’s Texas Stars, affiliate of the Dallas Stars, play in Cedar Park. Representing the ECHL is the Allen People, affiliate to the newest NHL growth, Utah Hockey Membership.
The NAHL additionally has a powerful presence all through Texas. Groups embrace the Amarillo Wranglers, Corpus Christi IceRays, El Paso Rhinos, Lone Star Brahmas and Odessa Jackalopes.
As an entire, Texas has a historical past of grassroots hockey initiatives which have grown curiosity within the sport. From junior hockey, to minor league execs, to nonprofit youth sports activities organizations, there’s confirmed demand for hockey within the state.
Different Cities within the Combine
With rising monetary stakes for potential NHL franchise house owners, hefty charges are concerned in expansions. Utah Hockey Membership, established in 2024, concerned a $1.2 billion payment paid by Smith Leisure Group. Ryan and Ashley Smith, house owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, led the group.
Considerably increased than earlier growth charges, the value tag displays the NHL’s rising market worth. For context, the Vegas Golden Knights paid a $500 million payment in 2017. 4 years later, Seattle paid $650 million.
Utah’s price ticket is a greater than 80% soar. Any new growth will probably exceed these numbers.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman beforehand named Atlanta, Kansas Metropolis, Cincinnati and Omaha as potential hockey markets with expressed curiosity.
Atlanta is the one metropolis to have misplaced two NHL franchises, the Atlanta Flames (1972-1980) and the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011). Each groups later relocated, with the Flames turning into the Calgary Flames, and the Thrashers turning into the Winnipeg Jets.
In the meantime, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X this week a couple of “productive name” with the NHL concerning New Orleans.
https://x.com/LAGovJeffLandry/standing/1902370149107171521
Arizona’s return to the NHL is also within the combine if a viable possession group and area plan emerge.
The NHL is wholesome, and the league continues to develop its U.S. presence. Huge image, Houston has so much to supply. If the league pulls the set off on growth, it’s laborious to think about a greater match.
You’ll be able to “Like” The Recreation Haus on Fb and “Comply with” us on X for extra sports activities articles like this one.
Featured picture courtesy of NHL.com
“From Our
Haus
to Yours”
