The future of the Arizona Coyotes in Arizona is uncertain following the rejection of their plan for a multibillion-dollar entertainment district in Tempe. Currently, the team is playing home games at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University, which can only accommodate 5,000 spectators. There have been reports indicating that the NHL is working on contingency plans that could result in the franchise relocating to Salt Lake City as early as next season. Potential owner Ryan Smith has solicited suggestions for a new team name, and the league has been preparing for the possibility of the Coyotes moving this summer.
The NHL has been working on two schedule drafts for next season, one for the Coyotes in Arizona and another for the team playing under a different name in Utah. Commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that there is still time to make a decision on the team’s future. While the league, Coyotes, and Smith Entertainment Group have not commented on the potential relocation, preparations are underway for a possible move. If a sale to Smith goes through, it would come after months of speculation following his announcement of interest in having an NHL team in Salt Lake City.
The Coyotes have faced instability since former majority owner Jerry Moyes drove the franchise into bankruptcy in 2009. The team experienced some stability while playing in Glendale until the city terminated their lease agreement after the 2021-22 season. The team’s latest plans involve a 95-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix, which is set to be auctioned off later this year. If the Coyotes win the auction, construction for a new arena could begin next year with hopes to start playing in the fall of 2027. In Salt Lake City, an arena already exists, and plans are in place to use it as a temporary home for a hockey team until a new building is constructed.
Discussions between the Jazz ownership group in Salt Lake City and the NHL have been ongoing since 2022, with the league expressing interest in the potential market in Utah as a sports and entertainment destination. Despite speculation about potential expansions in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Houston, the NHL has stated that there are no current plans to expand beyond 32 teams. Overall, the future of the Arizona Coyotes remains uncertain, with the franchise potentially facing relocation to Salt Lake City pending the outcome of ongoing discussions and plans for a new arena in Phoenix.
