February 27, 2025
In a bold move that is set to reshape the landscape of the National Hockey League (NHL), league officials announced today the addition of two new teams for the 2026-2027 season, marking the NHL’s first expansion in over a decade. The two new franchises will be based in Montreal, Canada, and Austin, Texas, in what is being hailed as a historic step to further the NHL’s reach across North America.
The announcement on February 27, 2025, follows years of speculation and growing demand from various cities seeking an NHL presence. The decision to add a second team in Canada, particularly in Montreal, and to venture into the U.S. South with Austin represents the league’s commitment to broadening its fanbase and exploring new markets, both in traditional hockey-loving regions and in areas where the sport has seen increasing interest.
“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the NHL into these two dynamic and passionate markets,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “This decision is not just about adding two new teams; it’s about growing the game of hockey and ensuring that the NHL is accessible to fans across the continent. Montreal and Austin represent two areas where we see tremendous potential for the sport and where we believe hockey can thrive.”
The Montreal franchise, which will re-enter the city’s rich hockey culture, will be the first new team in the city since the Montreal Canadiens were established in 1909. While Montreal has long been a hub for hockey excellence, the expansion will bring even more focus to the city, which already boasts one of the most dedicated fanbases in the sport. The new team will play at the Bell Centre, a venue that has been home to the Canadiens since 1996, with plans for extensive upgrades to accommodate both the existing and new teams.
“We’ve seen how passionate the people of Montreal are about hockey, and this new franchise will only fuel that fire,” Bettman added. “This city is a hockey town, and the addition of a second team will only strengthen the culture and help foster the next generation of Canadian talent.”
On the other side of the continent, Austin’s new NHL franchise marks an exciting venture into a region where hockey has grown rapidly in recent years. With a burgeoning sports culture, strong collegiate and youth hockey programs, and a rapidly expanding population, Austin has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Austin team will play at a brand-new, state-of-the-art arena expected to be built by 2026, with designs emphasizing fan experience and sustainability.
“Hockey has already seen incredible growth in non-traditional markets, and Austin is one of the most exciting cities in America right now,” said Bettman. “We believe this city can become a true hockey hub in the U.S. South, where there is an untapped market of passionate sports fans. We are excited to bring the NHL to this growing region and showcase the sport to a whole new audience.”
Both teams will be included in a restructured NHL divisional format, which will create new rivalries and provide more localized matchups for fans. As part of the expansion process, the league has also promised to invest heavily in youth and grassroots hockey programs in both Montreal and Austin to ensure the sport’s continued growth and accessibility. These programs are expected to help increase participation levels and provide a pipeline for future NHL talent from these regions.
The decision to expand the NHL is a testament to the league’s growing popularity and success. While traditional markets such as Canada and the northern U.S. have long dominated the sport, cities like Austin are proving that hockey can flourish in warmer climates and less-established markets. The expansion is expected to have a significant economic impact, driving new revenue streams and creating jobs both locally and across the league.
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, hockey fans in Montreal and Austin are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new teams, and the NHL’s expansion is poised to be one of the most exciting developments in the league’s recent history. The inclusion of these two new franchises promises to elevate the NHL to new heights, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and captivate audiences in cities across North America.
