Speculation, rumors, and uncertainty surrounding the future of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes finally received some clarity on Friday night. Reports indicated that the team may be moving to Utah, with members of the franchise being informed that they are headed to Salt Lake City. General manager Bill Armstrong reportedly addressed the team, announcing that a sale had been facilitated to Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, and they would be playing at the Delta Center beginning next season. Although hockey-centric renovations are necessary for the team to stay there long-term, the move seems to be imminent.
The Arizona Coyotes have faced instability since former majority owner Jerry Moyes drove the franchise into bankruptcy in 2009. The team seemed to find some stability when they played at the Gila River Arena, located just outside of Phoenix in Glendale. However, the city of Glendale pulled out of a lease agreement in 2015, leading to the termination of the Coyotes’ lease after the 2021-2022 season. Last May, voters rejected the team’s plan for a multi-billion dollar entertainment district in Tempe. The Coyotes have been playing at Mullett Arena at Arizona State University since the start of the 2022-2023 season, but the facility can only seat 5,000 spectators.
The Coyotes had been looking to stay within the Phoenix area, identifying six potential locations for a new arena last year. Recent developments suggest that the team will be relocating to Utah, with owner Ryan Smith soliciting suggestions for a new team name earlier in the week. Contingency plans have been in the works in case the Coyotes move this summer, with Smith having government backing to make improvements on the Utah arena. A bill passed recently to help fund a renovated entertainment district in anticipation of professional hockey coming to the city, indicating that preparations are being made for the team’s arrival in Salt Lake City.
The news of a potential move to Utah may come as a disappointment to some Arizona Coyotes fans who had hoped the team would remain in the Phoenix area. The team’s history of instability, including bankruptcy and lease terminations, has made the future uncertain for the franchise. While the move to Salt Lake City may provide a fresh start for the team, it also raises questions about the future of professional hockey in Arizona and the potential impact on fans who have supported the Coyotes over the years.
Ownership changes, arena lease terminations, and failed development plans have all contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Arizona Coyotes’ future. The potential move to Utah represents a significant shift for the franchise and could have a lasting impact on both the team and its fan base. As preparations for the move to Salt Lake City continue, the Coyotes face a period of transition as they navigate the challenges of relocating and building a new fan base in a different market. Time will tell what the future holds for the team and its loyal supporters.
