Friedkin's Pursuit Sports Leases Austin Office as NHL Expansion Race Narrows

Pursuit Sports, owned by the Friedkin family, has leased 7,000 square feet at 1011 South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, according to the Austin Business Journal. A venture tied to the Music Lane property owner is beginning a $200,000 renovation to build out offices for the company. The lease signals Austin remains a contender for a new National Hockey League franchise. The Friedkins received league approval to install a team and hold an exclusive term sheet with the NHL to place a franchise in either Austin or Houston. The league has worked with the Friedkins on a Houston expansion franchise, but the need for a new arena has kept Austin viable. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has estimated the arena project at about $3.5 billion, part of it publicly funded. Dan Friedkin also owns Gulf States Toyota, AS Roma and Everton. The property spans 163,000 square feet of office, hospitality and retail space.