U.S. Billionaire Sets Sights on Bringing NHL Team to Houston: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Dan Friedkin, the billionaire from Houston, is becoming a key player in the push to bring the NHL to Houston. Although The Friedkin Group did not respond to requests for comment, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that discussions have taken place about a potential Houston expansion.

Friedkin leads The Friedkin Group, which has been actively investing in sports. In 2020, the company acquired AS Roma, a club in Italy’s Serie A. Recently, they became the majority owners of Everton in England’s Premier League. They also secured £350 million for a new stadium for Everton.

Interestingly, The Friedkin Group was reportedly considering a bid for the Boston Celtics before the team sold for a staggering $6.1 billion. This indicates Friedkin’s serious interest in the sports industry. He is also the chairman and CEO of Gulf States Toyota.

While optimism surrounds the NHL’s potential expansion, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has downplayed these rumors, emphasizing that expansion isn’t currently a hot topic. The league is focused on negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with players, set to begin discussions in April 2024, and revamping its Canadian TV deal.

Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, had previously explored owning a hockey team, but Friedkin’s group now looks more promising.

The NHL has expanded twice recently, adding the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken in 2021. The fees were significant—$500 million for Vegas and $650 million for Seattle. If the NHL opts for more expansion, they might consider adding two new teams but with staggered launch dates.

Atlanta is also on the radar for potential expansion, especially since the league has previously left the city. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana has expressed interest in bringing a team to New Orleans after speaking with the NHL.

Cities like Omaha, Kansas City, and Cincinnati have also shown interest in hosting a team. The NHL’s exploration of these markets reflects a broader trend of sports franchises expanding into new regions. The upcoming season has seen the league relocate a team from Arizona to Salt Lake City, marking a new chapter in its ongoing growth.

Expanding the NHL could not only bring more excitement to these cities but could also invigorate local economies and increase the sport’s overall popularity in the U.S.

For more insights on the NHL and its potential expansions, you can visit the NHL’s official site.

Source link