NHL Approves Arizona Coyotes’ Relocation to Salt Lake City

After years of uncertainty, the Arizona Coyotes are no more. On April 18, 2024, the National Hockey League (NHL) approved the team’s relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah, ending a long-standing saga of financial instability and venue disputes in Arizona. The franchise’s move marks a historic moment for Utah sports, introducing professional hockey to the state for the first time.

The relocation decision came after the Coyotes failed to secure a permanent home in Arizona, with multiple arena deals falling through in recent years. The team had been playing at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat college hockey venue, far smaller than NHL standards. With no long-term solution in sight, the NHL’s board of governors voted unanimously to approve the move to Utah.

Billionaire Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, played a key role in bringing the NHL to Salt Lake City. Smith, who had been in discussions with the NHL for months, is expected to rebrand the team and unveil a new name, logo, and colors before the start of the 2024-25 season. For now, the team will play home games at the Delta Center, the current home of the Jazz, while plans for a permanent hockey arena are being explored.

“This is an exciting day for Utah,” Smith said in a press conference. “We are ready to embrace hockey and build a team that this community can be proud of.”

The relocation has sparked mixed reactions among hockey fans. Arizona fans, who had hoped for a solution to keep the team in the state, expressed disappointment and frustration at losing their franchise. Meanwhile, Salt Lake City fans are eager to welcome their first NHL team, with season ticket demand reportedly surging following the announcement.

The NHL’s expansion into Utah aligns with its broader efforts to tap into new markets and grow the sport’s popularity. Analysts believe Salt Lake City’s strong sports culture, economic growth, and high-altitude advantage could help the new team thrive.

With the move finalized, attention now turns to what’s next for professional hockey in Utah—including the team’s new identity, branding, and roster moves before the puck drops next season.