AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File
Local billionaire Dan Friedkin has reportedly been in talks with the NHL about bringing a professional hockey team to Houston.
On Thursday, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an email to ESPN — which first reported the story — that Friedkin’s business had met with the league multiple times to discuss “potential interest in a Houston expansion franchise.”
In a statement to Houston Public Media, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority said it would welcome an NHL team.
“We would welcome any potential addition to the Houston and Harris County sporting landscape and the positive economic impact it would have on our region,” a representative wrote.
Houston has never been home to an NHL franchise but previously had two pro hockey teams that both were called the Aeros. The first team competed in the former World Hockey Association from 1972-78 and was led by hockey legend Gordie Howe, winning two league championships. The second rendition of the Aeros was a minor league team that played in the International Hockey League and American Hockey League from 1994-2013.
Friedkin is a Houston-area resident who owns Gulf States Toyota and is the CEO of The Friedkin Group, a privately held consortium of businesses and investments. In 2024, Forbes magazine reported Friedkin to be the 432nd-richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $6.5 billion.
Other Houston-area businessmen have explored bringing an NHL team to the region. In early 2024, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta was also reportedly in talks with the NHL.
Friedkin has some experience in sports team ownership, with The Friedkin Group having purchased 98.8% of the Everton Football Club of the English Premier League in December, according to the Associated Press. The Friedkin Group had also reportedly shown interest in bidding on the NBA’s Boston Celtics, which sold for a record $6.1 billion earlier this week.
The Friedkin Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
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