NEW YORK – On Thursday, the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors voted and approved the establishment of a franchise to play in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new team will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, which is led by Ryan and Ashley Smith and is set to begin play in the 2024-25 season.
The Board also simultaneously approved a plan that renders the Arizona Coyotes franchise inactive, and will allow the team to be reactivated if owner Alex Meruelo is able to fully constructed a new, state-of-the-art facility that will be appropriate for an NHL team. However, Meruelo must do so within five years.
As part of the approved transaction, the totality of the Coyotes' franchise assets –such as its full Reserve List, roster of players, draft picks, and Hockey Operations Department – will will be transferred over to the Utah franchise.
“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," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. " 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.”
“I agree with Commissioner Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League, that it is simply unfair to continue to have our Players, coaches, hockey front office, and the NHL teams they compete against, spend several more years playing in an arena that is not suited for NHL hockey,” said Arizona Coyotes Chairman & Governor Alex Meruelo. “But this is not the end for NHL hockey in Arizona. I have negotiated the right to reactivate the team within the next five years, and have retained ownership of the beloved Coyotes name, brand and logo. I remain committed to this community and to building a first-class sports arena and entertainment district without seeking financial support from the public.”
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