Whitmire stated that Houston has a “proven track record of helping their sports team succeed.” Getty Images
Houston Mayor John Whitmire is publicly backing efforts to bring the NHL’s 33rd franchise to the city and he revealed that “his office is actively engaged in discussions with relevant parties” to the ongoing expansion endeavor, according to Jennifer Streeter of SPORTING NEWS. Whitmire said, “We’re talking to multiple parties that are interested … So when we get a proposal, if the city can do something to a system, we’ll be there. We’ll definitely be a better location than Austin.” The NHL announced back in June that Commissioner Gary Bettman and The Friedkin Group are in the midst of a six-month evaluation process to determine whether Houston or Austin will be the league’s 33rd franchise. Streeter noted Houston is “expected to be the next city.” Whitmire stated that Houston has a “proven track record of helping their sports team succeed.” Whitmire: “[The NHL] would never regret it if they gave a franchise to Houston. They’d never regret it” (SPORTING NEWS, 8/31).