The NHL has engaged in discussions with a group spearheaded by billionaire Dan Friedkin concerning the potential introduction of an expansion team in Houston, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly in a communication sent Thursday evening. Friedkin, who is estimated by Forbes to possess a net worth of $6.4 billion, recently acquired a commanding 98.8% stake in the English Premier League team, Everton. Together with his son Ryan, the duo manages the Houston-based Friedkin Group, which holds investments in various sectors including automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and sports.
Efforts to reach the Friedkin Group for comments did not result in an immediate response. A report from ESPN has identified Friedkin as a prominent contender should the league choose to expand beyond its current 32 teams. Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently indicated that the NHL is not actively pursuing expansion at the moment. However, several groups from Atlanta have expressed interest in potentially bringing the sport back to Georgia’s capital for a third attempt.
In a statement made to The Associated Press in September, Bettman suggested that any new expansion process would be very selective and deliberate. He remarked, “If somebody checks all the boxes and wants to move forward, then I’ll take it first to the executive committee and see if there’s an interest.” He clarified that the NHL would not follow previous broad approaches where multiple applications were invited at once, but rather consider expansions on a case-by-case basis.
During Bettman’s recent press conference wrapping up the annual general managers meeting in Florida, expansion was not a topic of discussion. Meanwhile, interest in expansion has also been shown by Ryan Smith’s group, who announced last year their desire to establish a team in Utah. Subsequently, Smith Entertainment Group acquired the Arizona Coyotes and moved them to Salt Lake City, where they now compete as the Utah Hockey Club this season.
The NHL’s recent expansions into locations like Las Vegas and Seattle have proven remarkably successful, inspiring conversations around the possibility of expanding to 33 or even 34 teams in the future. Prior to the 2017 introduction of the Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL expansion had not occurred since 2000 with the inclusion of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild. Recent increases in expansion fees, potentially approaching $1 billion next time, reflect the success and demand for new teams.
Moreover, Friedkin, who amassed his wealth primarily through the distribution of Toyotas in Texas, was also reportedly exploring a potential bid for the NBA’s Boston Celtics before their sale concluded on Thursday.