Gary Bettman Gives Update on NHL Expansion, Talks Decision Timeline Ahead of 2026-27 Season

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters on Tuesday that the league's board of governors is taking a "wait-and-see attitude" regarding the potential to add two more expansion franchises.

"We continue to evaluate and receive expressions of interest, which I guess is a really good thing," he added.

The league reportedly has received interest from the Friedkin family regarding a potential expansion team in both Houston and Austin.

"I don't think we're putting time limits on things. We're working through the process. They're working through the process," Bettman said regarding the Friedkin family's evaluation regarding Houston or Austin. "Originally, we contemplated at least knowing where we are in December. I expect we will certainly know a lot more than we do now, come December, but I don't think there's any magic date by which something has to get done or not get done."

Other groups have expressed interest in potentially bringing teams to Atlanta and Phoenix, both former homes to NHL organizations.

"Expansion is a multibillion-dollar transaction, which has an impact on all the other clubs in the league," Bettman said. "If there's going to be expansion, three-quarters of the governors are going to have to be comfortable that this makes sense to them. And that's not something you do overnight."

The NHL last expanded in 2021, adding the Seattle Kraken to bring the league to 32 franchises. Prior to that, the Vegas Golden Knights were added in 2016.