Dan Friedkin Emerges as Leading Candidate for Potential NHL Expansion Houston

The NHL has held multiple meetings with Friedkin’s group, but Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasizes expansion is not an immediate priority.

Billionaire Dan Friedkin, owner of The Friedkin Group, has been identified as a strong candidate to bring an NHL franchise to Houston.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the league has met with Friedkin’s group several times to discuss potential expansion opportunities.
Commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated that expansion is not currently a 'front-burner topic,' with the league focusing on other priorities like collective bargaining and media deals.
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has also expressed interest in an NHL team but has emphasized the importance of securing a favorable price.
Key challenges for a Houston NHL team include a $2 billion expansion fee and the need for a hockey-ready arena, as the Toyota Center would require significant renovations.

Dan Friedkin Emerges as Leading Candidate for Potential NHL ExpansionHouston