North Iowa Bulls Relocate to Houston

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The North Iowa Bulls, a member of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), announced they will relocate to the Houston metropolitan area beginning with the 2026–27 season. The team will compete as the Houston Bulls and play at the new Deep South Ice & Sports Center in Richmond, Texas.

Why it matters

The move to the Houston area will provide the Bulls with a larger market and state-of-the-art facilities, including a 1,800-seat arena, to grow the team's fanbase and revenue potential. However, the relocation also means the end of junior hockey in Mason City, Iowa, where the Bulls have been based.

The details

The new Deep South Ice & Sports Center in Richmond, Texas, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, will feature the Bulls' new home arena along with additional amenities like 14 suites, two party decks, a second NHL-size practice ice sheet, and a volleyball center. Team operations will be overseen by Vice President Devon Buckland, who has experience in both the USHL and NAHL.

• The North Iowa Bulls announced the relocation on March 19, 2026.
• The Houston Bulls will begin play in the 2026–27 NAHL season.

What’s next

The NA3HL Mason City Toros will be rebranded as the North Iowa Bulls starting in the 2026-27 season, continuing junior hockey in the Mason City community.