Houston's efforts to land NHL franchise: Why Mayor John Whitmire proclaims 'We're ready'

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has officially backed bringing the NHL to Houston for the League's 33rd franchise.

The League announced back in June that Commissioner Gary Bettman and The Friedkin Group are in the midst of a six-month evaluation process to determine whether Houston or Austin, Texas will be the League's 33rd franchise. This development follows a June 23 Board of Governors meeting where the topic was broached. A Houston — or Austin — franchise will mark the NHL's second team in Texas, with the Minnesota North Stars being relocated to Dallas for the 1993-94 season and having remained ever since.

Mayor Whitmire revealed in an exclusive interview that his office is actively engaged in discussions with relevant parties to the ongoing NHL endeavor related to expansion.

"We're ready. In fact, we're talking to multiple parties that are interested ... So when we get a proposal, if the city can do something to a system, we'll be there. We'll definitely be a better location than Austin," Mayor Whitmire said.

Houston Mayor involved in NHL expansion efforts

The NHL has been a 32-team league since 2021-22, with Seattle being unanimously approved as the League's 32nd franchise at a BOG meeting on Dec. 4, 2018, with an expansion fee set at $650 million.

Houston is expected to be the next city, with Mayor Whitmire also stating that Houston has a proven track record of helping their sports team succeed.

"I think [the NHL] would never regret it if they gave a franchise to Houston. They'd never regret it," Mayor Whitmire also said. "Austin is a great city, but it's not Houston ... If you talk to the sports franchises in town, I think they'd tell you we're great partners."

Houston has a number of advantages over Austin — including being the No. 6 media market, compared to Austin which comes in at No. 32. In addition, the Census Reporter notes that the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas Metro Area population is 7,796,182. The Census Reporter also indicated the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas Metro Area population only comes in at 2,550,637.

Per the NHL's initial media release relevant to the matter, both Texas cities will require a new arena.

The previously mentioned sixth month evaluation is slated to end in Dec., with the Friedkin Family — led by Dan Friedkin — committed to bringing the 33rd franchise to another major Texas city via a $3.5 billion investment (which includes the expansion fee that goes to the NHL and the cost of building a new arena).

Houston currently boasts six major professional sports franchises across the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS and NWSL, with the WNBA arriving in 2027.

"We've got successful sports teams and venues right here," said Mayor Whitmire. "We love Austin, but they're not Houston." 

Mayor Whitmire and his office regularly support professional sports across the city, with Mayor Whitmire previously providing 10,000 free tickets to 2026 matches for the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL).

MORE: Why NHL is likely to lean towards Houston over Austin for expansion team