The National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed the sale of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, paving the way for a new team to emerge in Utah. Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), renowned for owning the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball League and Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer, will take the helm as owners of the new Utah franchise. The transition is set to occur for the 2024-25 NHL season, following the acquisition from sole Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo.
Originating in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1996, the Coyotes made Arizona their home until this recent development. Once the new Utah franchise joins the league, they will utilize the existing Delta Center, home to the Utah Jazz, with expansion plans underway to accommodate up to 17,000 fans, ensuring readiness for the upcoming season. Previously, from 2022 to 2024, the Coyotes played at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, which boasts a capacity of 5,000, making it the smallest venue in the league. This starkly contrasts the 15,321-seat Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, the current home of the Winnipeg Jets.
The relocation to Mullett Arena followed the expiration of the Coyotes’ lease at the 19,000-seat Gila River Arena. Originally intended as a temporary measure, the move aimed to provide a stopgap solution while plans for a new privately funded arena were in the works, although these plans have yet to materialize.
