NHL says Phoenix would be granted an expansion team if Alex Meruelo can have a stadium built within five years
TEMPE, AZ — The NHL has confirmed the Arizona Coyotes have been sold and the team is moving to Salt Lake City, Utah. Current owner Alex Meruelo is selling the team to Ryan Smith, the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz, and the team will make the move ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Since then, multiple attempts were made to secure land, primarily in the East Valley, to build the team a new arena. After all of those options failed, including a failed vote to build an entertainment district in Tempe, the team set its eyes on land in north Phoenix. The NHL confirms that if Meruelo can have a new stadium suitable for an NHL team built within five years, then Phoenix would be granted an expansion team. Meruelo's group told ABC15 in recent weeks they are committed to winning the north Phoenix public land auction happening in June to build a new stadium as part of a massive entertainment complex.
Amid the news of the Coyotes being sold, use the interactive timeline below to take a look back at the team's history:"The National Hockey League’s Board of Governors today approved the establishment of a franchise beginning with the 2024-25 season in Utah, that will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, which is led by Ryan and Ashley Smith.
“The NHL’s belief in Arizona has never wavered. We thank Alex Meruelo for his commitment to the franchise and Arizona, and we fully support his ongoing efforts to secure a new home in the desert for the Coyotes. We also want to acknowledge the loyal hockey fans of Arizona, who have supported their team with dedication for nearly three decades while growing the game.”
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