Salt Lake City, Utah welcomed its first major league professional sports franchise in the summer of 1979 when the NBA decided to relocate a struggling team from New Orleans to the city. The league’s board of governors approved the move on June 9, 1979, just four months before the team’s first home game. The team held a naming contest, but original owner Sam Battistone was unimpressed with the submissions. Eventually, the team stuck with the name Jazz, which had ties to New Orleans’ music scene rather than Salt Lake City.
Now, Salt Lake City is potentially on the brink of acquiring another professional franchise as the Arizona Coyotes are considering relocating to the city as early as this fall. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, who has expressed a desire to bring an NHL team to Salt Lake City, has been seeking potential nicknames for the new team. Seeking input from hockey fans across Utah, Smith highlighted the importance of a nickname in creating an identity for the new team.
Smith, in a recent interview, emphasized the significance of selecting a nickname that resonates with fans of all ages and builds momentum for the team. While he has not revealed any preferences for a name, Smith remains open to suggestions from the community. Various suggestions have surfaced, including names inspired by Utah’s rugged terrain, history, and cultural attributes.
When it comes to choosing a name for the team, Smith and his leadership team will need to decide whether to incorporate “Salt Lake City” or “Utah” into the franchise name. Looking at examples from other sports leagues, there is a mix of teams named after their city, state, or region. The decision will likely involve considerations of branding, marketability, and local identity.
As the naming process unfolds, the history of franchise relocations in both the NBA and NHL offers insights into the potential outcomes for the Salt Lake City NHL team. The process of selecting a new name can vary, with some teams choosing to retain their original names and others opting for a fresh identity. Smith’s fondness for Utah as a whole suggests that the team’s name will reflect not only Salt Lake City but also the broader state’s culture and heritage.
With the potential arrival of an NHL team in Salt Lake City, the anticipation and excitement among fans continue to grow. The naming process presents an opportunity to solidify the team’s connection to the community and establish a distinct identity in the league. As the city prepares to potentially welcome a new franchise, the decision on the team’s name will shape its brand and legacy for years to come.