The future of the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL is uncertain after owner Alex Meruelo decided to walk away from ownership of the franchise. Meruelo had targeted a tract of land in north Phoenix for a new arena, but when the auction for the land was postponed, he chose to sell the team to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. The Smiths relocated the franchise to Salt Lake City and renamed it the Utah Hockey Club, while Meruelo retained the Coyotes’ name, logo, and trademark with plans to potentially resurrect the team as an expansion franchise in the future.
With Meruelo backing out of ownership, any potential expansion franchise in Arizona would now be under new ownership if the NHL decides to proceed with expansion. The league is expected to wait for the situation to stabilize in Arizona before considering any expansion plans. The Coyotes have been in search of a permanent home since moving from Winnipeg in 1996, having played in various arenas in Phoenix and Glendale over the years. The team most recently relocated to Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena, but the 5,000-seat venue was always intended as a temporary solution until a new arena could be built.
The uncertainty surrounding the Coyotes’ ownership and arena situation continues a long history of instability for the franchise. With Meruelo’s decision to step away and the cancellation of the land auction, the team’s future remains uncertain. The NHL has been hesitant to have the Coyotes continue playing at the small Mullett Arena while waiting for a new arena to be constructed, leading to the sale of the team to the Smiths. The cancellation of the land auction further complicates the situation, prompting Meruelo to opt out of ownership over pursuing the land any further.
The Coyotes’ ongoing struggles to secure a permanent home have raised concerns about the team’s long-term viability in the desert. Meruelo’s decision to walk away from ownership adds another layer of uncertainty to the franchise’s future. The NHL will likely monitor the situation closely and consider all options moving forward, including the possibility of relocating the team to a new market if necessary. As the Coyotes navigate these challenges, fans and stakeholders are left wondering what will come next for the team and professional hockey in Arizona.
