Bill Daly: No Decision Yet on NHL Texas Franchise

Bill Daly, the NHL's deputy commissioner, says the league has made no decision on placing a 33rd franchise in Texas.

"I don't want to get ahead of myself. The question hasn't been settled — not for Friedkin, and not for the league. So far we've signed an agreement that carries no obligations. We'll work hard to reach the goal. But in the end it may not happen. Right now we don't have clear direction from the Board of Governors on whether everyone wants to expand. We'll certainly discuss it at the upcoming meeting. Over the past two years I've got the impression that if we find the right location and the right owners, and if it benefits the league, the Board will back expansion. But we need to confirm that support before we start the process," Daly said.

The NHL announced in June a six-month review of the project's viability. The Friedkin Group, the investment firm led by billionaire Dan Friedkin, is the prospective owner of a franchise in Houston or Austin. The league has previously said it hopes to reach a final agreement with Friedkin's group by the end of the year.

The Board of Governors, made up of club owners or their representatives, meets next on 22 September. Any expansion requires the board's approval, and Daly said some clubs have raised concerns about the league growing past 32 teams.