Interest of Rockets' Tilman Fertitta in Houston NHL team remains

TORONTO -- The owner of the NBA'sRocketshas expressed interest in bringing an NHL franchise to Houston.

Tilman Fertitta posted on his verified Twitter account Thursday that he would be open to the possibility of acquiring an NHL team. He stressed it must be a deal that works for all parties concerned.

"As I've mentioned before, I'm very interested in the possibility of bringing the NHL to Houston, but it will have to be a deal that works for my organization, the city, fans of the NHL throughout the region and the NHL Board of Governors," said Fertitta, who bought the Rockets in September. "We are in the early stages of evaluating what opportunities may exist but look forward to a thorough process."

Fertitta's post came a day after reports said Fertitta and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman have met to discuss the viability of Houston as an NHL city. Houston has never had an NHL team, but it does have a hockey legacy. The World Hockey Association's Aeros called Houston home from 1972 to 1978. Gordie Howe played four seasons for the Aeros alongside sons Mark and Marty.

Quebec City and Seattle also have expressed interest in acquiring an NHL team through expansion or relocation.