NHL Players Vote Houston as Top Expansion Destination

Quebec City and Atlanta also emerge as leading contenders as the league eyes growth to 34 teams

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of bright red, blue, and white colors representing the official team colors of the Houston Aeros and Quebec Nordiques.The NHL's expansion plans aim to diversify the league's geographic presence, balancing traditional hockey strongholds with emerging markets like Houston and Quebec City.Scottsdale Today

According to a recent NHLPA player poll, Houston has emerged as the top choice for the NHL's next expansion team, receiving 34.3% of the votes. Quebec City follows as the second choice at 16.9%, while Atlanta ranks third. The league is reportedly considering growing from 32 to 34 teams, with potential owners willing to pay between $2-3 billion for a new franchise.

Why it matters

The NHL's expansion plans reflect the league's strategic focus on growing its footprint, particularly in emerging markets like Texas. The player preferences provide valuable insight into where the athletes believe the game can thrive, balancing traditional hockey strongholds with newer markets. Expansion also requires labor peace and a sustainable structural framework, which the recent CBA extension aims to provide.

The details

The NHL is reportedly considering expanding from 32 to 34 teams, with potential owners indicating a willingness to pay between $2-3 billion for a new franchise. According to the NHLPA player poll, Houston is the runaway favorite, capturing 34.3% of the votes. Quebec City follows as the second choice at 16.9%, while Atlanta ranks third. Other cities that received player interest include Scottsdale, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. The league's expansion plans are tied to the recent extension of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHLPA, which ensures at least five more years of labor peace and may include changes such as an increased regular-season schedule, truncated exhibition play, shorter player contracts, and a playoff salary cap.

  • The NHL currently stands at 32 teams.
  • The league is considering expanding to 34 teams.
  • The NHL and NHLPA have extended their CBA through the 2029-30 season.

The players

Gary Bettman

NHL Commissioner, who has a history of expanding the league's footprint, particularly across the United States' Sun Belt.

Luc Tardif

IIHF president, who has emphasized a positive evolving relationship between the NHL, IIHF, and NHLPA.

Marty Walsh

NHLPA executive director, who has also emphasized the positive evolving relationship between the NHL, IIHF, and NHLPA.

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What’s next

The NHL and NHLPA must ratify the final details of the CBA extension, which could include changes to the game's structure, such as an increased regular-season schedule, truncated exhibition play, shorter player contracts, and a playoff salary cap.

The takeaway

The NHL's expansion plans reflect the league's strategic focus on growing its footprint, particularly in emerging markets like Texas. The player preferences provide valuable insight into where the athletes believe the game can thrive, balancing traditional hockey strongholds with newer markets. Expansion also requires labor peace and a sustainable structural framework, which the recent CBA extension aims to provide.