The future of the Arizona Coyotes in the state is in question after voters rejected the team’s plan for a multibillion-dollar entertainment district in Tempe last year. Currently, the team is playing home games at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators. There are reports that the NHL is working on a contingency plan that could result in the franchise relocating to Salt Lake City as early as next season. Prospective owner Ryan Smith, who also owns the Utah Jazz, has been soliciting suggestions for a new team name, indicating that a move could be imminent.
The NHL has been working on two schedule drafts for next season, one for the team potentially staying in Arizona and another for a possible move to Utah. Commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that there is still time to make a decision, with the schedule typically being released in late June. While the NHL, Coyotes, and Smith Entertainment Group have not commented on the potential relocation, preparations are being made for the move. If the sale to Smith goes through, it could happen after months of speculation fueled by his interest in bringing an NHL team to Salt Lake City and his ability to make it happen quickly.
The Coyotes have faced instability since the team’s former majority owner drove the franchise into bankruptcy in 2009. After playing at Gila River Arena in Glendale, the team was left without a lease agreement when the city terminated the lease in 2022. The team’s latest plans involve a 95-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix, with an auction scheduled for June 27. If the Coyotes win the auction, construction on a new arena could begin next year, with a goal of starting play in the fall of 2027.
In Salt Lake City, there is already an existing arena downtown that could serve as a temporary home for a potential NHL team until a new venue is built. The Jazz ownership group has been in talks with the league since 2022 about bringing a team to Utah. The NHL has acknowledged the potential of the Salt Lake City market as a promising one, but has stated that there are currently no plans to expand beyond 32 teams, despite speculation about possible additions in cities like Atlanta and Houston. Discussions with potential new ownership groups in these areas are ongoing, but no decisions have been made yet.
The uncertain future of the Coyotes in Arizona has created speculation and anticipation around the team’s potential relocation to Salt Lake City. With plans in motion for a potential move, including schedule drafts and contingency plans, the NHL and interested parties are preparing for the possibility of the franchise changing locations. If the team does move to Utah, it could provide a new opportunity for hockey in the region, with a dedicated ownership group led by Ryan Smith showing commitment to the community and a vision for the future of sports and entertainment in the area.
