The NHL is continuing to assess a potential Texas expansion team linked to Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the proposal is not a done deal. The nonbinding term sheet (preliminary, nonbinding agreement) could lead to a 33rd franchise in Houston or Austin, with early estimates pointing to the 2029-30 season if arena construction proceeds without unexpected delays. Daly said the following season would also be acceptable. Houston offers a population base of nearly 2.4 million in the city and 7.8 million in its metropolitan area, while Austin could give the NHL an opportunity to become the first of the four major leagues there. The league’s recent expansion history includes the Seattle Kraken in 2021-22 and the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-18; the Utah Mammoth’s 2024-25 arrival involved relocating assets from the former Arizona franchise.