Friedkin seeks NHL expansion franchise in Houston

Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin has emerged as a strong candidate to bring an NHL expansion team to Houston, with the NHL confirming multiple meetings with Friedkin's group, The Friedkin Group, regarding this interest. Friedkin, who owns Gulf States Toyota and has significant experience in sports ownership with acquisitions of European soccer clubs AS Roma and Everton, is seen as a viable option over other local businessmen like Tilman Fertitta. While the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has downplayed immediate expansion talks, the potential economic impact is welcomed by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Friedkin's recent unsuccessful bid for the Boston Celtics, which sold for $6.1 billion, has shifted his focus to the NHL. If the league decides to expand, Houston, along with Atlanta, is considered a strong candidate, although the potential expansion fee is expected to surpass the $1.3 billion paid for the Arizona Coyotes' assets.