A prominent player agent says NHL expansion is coming to either Houston or Atlanta.

Never afraid to speak his mind, agent Allan Walsh replied to an article from The Sporting News on X that dove into both potential expansion markets, media-market data, and how imminent expansion could be for the league.

“Per sources, media-market data and information is to be heavily considered as the NHL looks to either Houston or Austin, Texas, for their possible 33rd franchise,” wrote Jennifer Streeter on Thursday.

Allan Walsh🏒

@walsha

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NHL expansion is coming. Houston and Atlanta.

Jennifer Streeter

@JennyStreeter3

EXCLUSIVE — Sources have confirmed that media markets will play a key role in factoring into the upcoming decision for NHL expansion. I've been set key data analytics comparing Houston & Austin's most up to date media market info. Here's what to know. sportingnews.com/us/nhl/dallas-…

1:20 AM · Aug 7, 2026

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In late June, commissioner Gary Bettman said the league will conduct a six-month investigation into either Houston or Austin, Texas, and then put the decision to a vote. There is exceptional interest from The Friedkin Group, who aren’t balking at the idea of $3.5 billion in expansion and new arena construction fees.

But Walsh’s quick social media comment is the first definite statement from someone who works in the league’s scope to say expansion is happening.

We’ve had our suspicions. Now,........

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