NHLPA Poll Reveals Top NHL Expansion Destination

The Push for 34 Teams: Where the NHL is Heading

The landscape of professional hockey is on the verge of a significant shift. While the league currently stands at 32 teams, reports indicate the NHL is considering an expansion to 34. This growth isn’t just about adding one or two cities; it’s about strategic placement and financial viability.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has a long history of expanding the league’s footprint, particularly across the United States’ Sun Belt. As the league looks toward the future, the focus has shifted to where the players actually wish to play and where the market can support a multi-billion dollar entry fee.

According to industry insiders, potential owners are reportedly willing to pay between $2 billion and $3 billion to bring a franchise to their city, signaling a massive increase in the perceived value of the NHL brand.

Player Preferences: Houston and Quebec City Lead the Way

While the league office makes the final call, the NHLPA provides critical insight through its annual player polls. The most recent data shows a clear preference among the athletes regarding where the next teams should be placed.

Houston has emerged as the runaway favorite, capturing 34.3 percent of the votes. The city’s growth and sports culture make it a primary target for those looking to expand the game’s reach in Texas.

Quebec City follows as the second choice, with 16.9 percent of responding players favoring a return to the region. This suggests a strong desire among players to revive hockey in a market with a deep historical connection to the sport.

The Atlanta Question and Other Contenders

Atlanta remains a point of discussion, though it ranks third in the player poll. The city has a complicated history with the NHL, having previously hosted the Flames (who moved to Calgary) and the Thrashers (who became the Winnipeg Jets).

Beyond the top three, players also expressed interest in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. These preferences highlight a trend toward diversifying the league’s geographic presence, balancing traditional hockey strongholds with emerging markets.

The Financial and Structural Backbone of Growth

Expansion cannot happen in a vacuum; it requires labor peace and a sustainable structural framework. This is where the recent extension of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) becomes pivotal.

The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to an extension of their CBA through the 2029-30 season. This agreement ensures at least five more years of labor peace, providing the stability necessary to integrate fresh franchises.

Reports indicate that this new agreement may include significant changes to the game’s structure, such as:

• Increasing the regular-season schedule to 84 games per team.
• Truncating exhibition play.
• Shortening the maximum length of player contracts.
• The addition of a playoff salary cap.

Global Ambitions and the “Best-on-Best” Cycle

The NHL’s growth isn’t limited to North American expansion. There is a concerted effort to increase the game’s international profile through a consistent “best-on-best” competition cycle.

Commissioner Bettman, IIHF president Luc Tardif, and NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh have emphasized a positive evolving relationship between their organizations. This collaboration is the driving force behind the NHL’s participation in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The long-term strategy involves a two-year cycle of elite competition to keep the sport thriving globally. Following the 2026 Olympics, the league and players’ association are planning for the World Cup of Hockey in 2028, followed by a return to the Olympics in 2030.

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