Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, has reaffirmed the league’s commitment to keeping the Arizona Coyotes in the Phoenix area, despite facing certain challenges. The recent rejection by the city’s voters of a $2.1 billion proposal in Tempe, which included plans for a new 16,000-seat arena for the Coyotes, hotels, a shopping district, restaurants, and real estate, has not deterred Bettman from his goal.
During a media availability at the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas, Bettman expressed optimism about the Phoenix market and emphasized the league’s determination to find alternative locations for a new arena. He stated, “If we can make it work, we’ll make it work.”
Bettman also mentioned that the Coyotes themselves are exploring other options within the greater Phoenix area, and the NHL will closely monitor these developments. The league hopes that one of the explored and considered options will come to fruition, ensuring the team’s future in the region.
Additionally, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly disclosed that discussions have taken place with Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz, regarding the possibility of establishing an NHL franchise in Salt Lake City.
Last month, Bettman expressed his disappointment in the outcome of the public referenda on the Coyotes’ arena project in Tempe. The team had sought to move to Tempe after losing its previous home in Glendale, the Desert Diamond Arena, at the end of the 2021-22 NHL season. For the interim period, the Coyotes have been sharing the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University campus with the school’s men’s hockey team. They are scheduled to play at Mullett Arena for the next two seasons, with an option for a fourth year.
The Coyotes’ history traces back to their relocation from Winnipeg to Phoenix in 1996.
3 comments
Bettman is like “Yeah, we still want the Arizona Coyotes in Phoenix area, despite some issues. Gonna find a new spot for their arena and hope it works out, you know? They’re checkin’ out other options around Phoenix too. And hey, there’s even talks about a potential NHL team in Salt Lake City with that Utah Jazz dude. Excitin’ stuff! #NHLRelocation
Ah man, that Tempe proposal got rejected by the voters. Tough break. But Gary Bettman ain’t givin’ up! He’s all like, “We’re gonna keep the Coyotes in Phoenix area, no matter what. Gotta find a new arena spot, y’know?” And those Coyotes, they’re explorin’ other options too. Hopefully, somethin’ good comes out of it. Also, talkin’ about Salt Lake City now. NHL in Utah? Whoa, that’s somethin’ to think about!
The Coyotes had a tough time in Tempe, that proposal didn’t go so well. But hey, Gary Bettman’s stickin’ to his guns. He’s committed to keepin’ the team in Phoenix area. They’re on the lookout for a new spot for the arena, and Bettman’s hopin’ one of the options works out. And guess what? There might be NHL action in Salt Lake City too! Talkin’ to that Utah Jazz owner. Excitin’ times in the world of hockey!