Salt Lake City, Utah will soon be the new home of the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes as the NHL’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the team’s hockey assets. The $1.2 billion transaction saw Smith Entertainment Group acquiring the Coyotes’ hockey-related assets, with $1 billion going to current owner Alex Meruelo and $200 million designated as a relocation fee split among existing NHL owners. This marks the end of the Coyotes’ tumultuous 28-year stint since moving from Winnipeg in 1996, with limited success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Coyotes’ struggle to secure an NHL-caliber arena ultimately led to their demise, as voters in Tempe rejected proposals for a new $2.1 billion entertainment district that would have included a facility for the team. Playing their final game at the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus, the Coyotes bid farewell to their fans in a sold-out arena with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
Following the sale, the Coyotes franchise has been declared inactive, leaving the door open for a potential return to the Phoenix area within five years if a suitable arena is constructed. Despite this setback, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed confidence in Arizona’s future in the league and commended Meruelo’s commitment to finding a new home for the Coyotes.
Meanwhile, the arrival of the NHL in Salt Lake City fulfills a vision set forth by Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and MLS’s Real Salt Lake. Smith’s acquisition of Arizona’s hockey assets paves the way for a new NHL franchise in Utah, with plans to host games at the Delta Center starting in the 2024-2025 season. The team, yet to be named, will have to create its branding and identity before its debut, with Smith emphasizing a deliberate approach in making these decisions.
With the sale approved, players and staff are set to visit Salt Lake City for facility tours and familiarization with the region before the upcoming season. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall hailed the announcement as a pivotal moment for the city, emphasizing the positive impact of welcoming an NHL team to the region.
In conclusion, the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City marks an exciting chapter in the NHL’s expansion efforts, with Utah poised to become the home of a new franchise in the upcoming season. The transition signifies a new beginning for both the Coyotes and Salt Lake City, as hockey fans in the area eagerly anticipate the arrival of NHL action in their city.