A $2 Billion NHL Expansion Fee? That's What Bettman Thinks Austin and Houston Are Worth.

Alright, Seattle, buckle up! You know we love our Kraken, and you know we bled blue when we brought NHL hockey to the Emerald City. But just when you thought the league was settled, the whispers are getting loud, and what's coming next is going to blow your mind. Sources are telling ESPN that the NHL is officially looking at Austin and Houston for expansion, and this isn't just talk. The Board of Governors is meeting in New York right now, hashing out the future, and guess what? Commissioner Gary Bettman is eyeing a staggering $2 billion fee for any new team. TWO BILLION DOLLARS!

Remembering Our Kraken Journey, and What Has Changed

It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the Kraken's debut in 2021-22, building our team from the ground up, watching Matty Beniers tear it up, and cheering on Captain Jordan Eberle. We paid our dues, literally. The league expanded from 30 to 32 clubs when Vegas came in at $500 million back in 2017-18, and then *we* dropped a cool $650 million to bring our beloved Kraken to T-Mobile Park. That was a serious commitment, right? We felt the cost, we embraced the challenge, and we showed the league what a passionate hockey city looks like. But now? Bettman is out there saying any *potential* new team is going to need to pony up at least $2 billion. Think about that for a second. That's more than three times what we paid for the Kraken! It just shows how much

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the game has exploded, how much our presence, and Vegas's, has proven the value of expansion. This isn't just about adding teams, it's about what the league thinks these franchises are *worth* after seeing the success in new markets.

The League Is Rolling in Dough, and We're All Watching

It’s no secret the NHL is absolutely thriving right now. Bettman has been telling everyone that the league has been fielding calls from all over North America from cities and owners itching for a piece of the action. And why wouldn't they be? This past season saw record revenues, projected to hit between $7.5 billion and $8 billion. That's serious cash flow, and it's clear they're not afraid to demand top dollar for entry. On top of that, the NHL salary cap for the 2026-27 season is set to jump to $104 million, an $8.5 million increase from last season. More money for the owners, more money for the players, more money for new teams to drop on talent like Jared McCann or Vince Dunn. It's a gold rush out there, and Texas might be the next frontier. So, while we're here in the Emerald City, rocking our Kraken jerseys and planning our next trip to Climate Pledge Arena, the NHL is looking to grow again. Austin and Houston could be getting teams, but at a price that would make even the 12s gasp. It's a reminder of how far our league has come, and how much the Kraken's success has helped push that value sky-high. Get ready, folks, because the NHL is about to get a whole lot bigger and a whole lot more expensive.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.