The Arizona Coyotes are facing a major shakeup as they prepare to relocate to Salt Lake City while owner Alex Meruelo pursues a $3 billion arena and entertainment project in North Phoenix. The team’s hockey operations department and players will be sold, rebranded, and relocated to Utah for the 2024-25 season at a cost of $1.2 billion. Despite this move, Meruelo plans to maintain the Coyotes’ name, logos, and trademarks, as well as ownership of the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.
Through a complex transaction, Meruelo is selling the franchise to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, with plans to complete his proposed arena project and apply for another NHL franchise within five years. The NHL will receive $200 million from the sale, with Meruelo set to receive $1 billion and potentially regain ownership of a new Coyotes team if the arena project is completed.
The current team will play in an upgraded Delta Center in Salt Lake City, marking the end of their time in Arizona. Meruelo, who purchased the team in 2019, is determined to secure a 95-acre parcel of land in North Phoenix and North Scottsdale for the arena project. Failure to win the auction for this land would likely result in the franchise moving elsewhere.
Concerns about the team playing in the small Mullett Arena prompted discussions between Meruelo, NHL officials, and team president Xavier Gutierrez. The decision to relocate the team to Salt Lake City was made to avoid forcing players to continue playing in subpar conditions. Negotiations are also underway to move the Tucson Roadrunners to replace the Coyotes at the Mullett Arena.
Overall, the Arizona Coyotes’ move to Salt Lake City and Meruelo’s ambitious arena project in North Phoenix signal a significant change for the team. Despite uncertainties, Meruelo remains committed to addressing all issues promptly and ensuring a successful future for the franchise, whether in Arizona or elsewhere.
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