Gary Bettman Announces NHL Expansion Process Is Underway, The Two New Cities Are Named
In a landmark announcement that promises to reshape the landscape of professional hockey, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman revealed that the league’s expansion process is officially underway. After months of speculation, Bettman confirmed that the NHL will be adding two new teams, with the cities of Houston, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah being selected as the next locations for expansion franchises. This move signals the NHL’s commitment to growing the sport and capitalizing on new markets, particularly in non-traditional hockey areas.
Houston: A Major Market in the South
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, will become the first Texas city to host an NHL franchise. The decision to bring a team to Houston is seen as a significant step in expanding the NHL’s footprint in the southern U.S., an area that has seen increasing interest in hockey. Houston’s large population, coupled with its diverse sports culture, made it an attractive destination for the league.
The city has a strong sports market, with successful franchises in the NFL (Houston Texans) and NBA (Houston Rockets), but a lack of NHL representation has left a void in the area. Houston’s Toyota Center, an arena with a seating capacity of over 18,000 for hockey games, is expected to serve as the home rink for the new team, giving the city an immediate venue with NHL-level amenities.
The Houston market also has a history of hockey interest, with the Houston Aeros playing in the AHL from 1994 to 2013, and with the city hosting minor league teams and youth hockey programs that have continued to grow in popularity. Bringing an NHL team to Houston could further fuel this growth, making it a hub for hockey development in the region.
Salt Lake City: A Surprising Yet Strategic Choice
Salt Lake City’s selection as one of the new expansion cities came as a surprise to many, but it is a move that has garnered widespread enthusiasm. Known for its fervent sports culture, Salt Lake City is home to the NBA’s Utah Jazz and has hosted a variety of major sporting events, including the 2002 Winter Olympics. The city’s passion for sports and its strong local economy have made it an attractive option for the NHL.
The new team in Salt Lake City will be the first major professional hockey franchise in Utah, and the state’s growing interest in winter sports makes this expansion a logical choice. The region has already seen success with minor league teams, and the addition of an NHL franchise could create a booming market for both the sport and the community.
The team’s home arena, the Vivint Arena, which hosts the Utah Jazz, is expected to undergo renovations to accommodate the NHL, with plans to increase seating and provide an upgraded hockey-specific setup. The venue’s central location and robust infrastructure make it ideal for hosting an NHL team.
The NHL’s Expansion Strategy
The NHL’s decision to expand into these two cities comes as part of a broader strategy to tap into new markets and capitalize on the increasing popularity of hockey in diverse regions. With the league’s current teams performing well both on and off the ice, adding new franchises allows for additional revenue streams, increased fan engagement, and more talent development.
The expansion also creates opportunities for new rivalries, potentially injecting fresh excitement into the NHL. Houston, with its proximity to teams like Dallas, could form a heated rivalry with the Stars, while Salt Lake City’s location near the western conference teams could lead to competitive matchups with clubs like the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights.
Next Steps for the New Teams
The NHL will now begin the formal process of selecting ownership groups, team names, and logos, with Bettman stating that the expansion teams are expected to begin play in the 2026-2027 season. There will be a draft process to ensure the new teams are competitive from the start, likely following a similar format to past expansion drafts.
The inclusion of Houston and Salt Lake City is an exciting development for the NHL and its fan base, as it represents a new era of growth for the league. As these two cities prepare for the arrival of professional hockey, the NHL is taking another step toward becoming a truly national—if not international—sports league. Fans across North America can look forward to the excitement and energy that these new teams will bring to the ice.
