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Two NBA teams with roots firmly planted at longstanding downtown arenas have been linked to new venue projects outside their urban homes.
The Utah Jazz’s ownership group has reportedly explored building an arena outside Salt Lake City. Behind-closed-door conversations have taken place with the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
A new Jazz arena could be built nearly 20 miles south of Delta Center, where the team has played since 1991. The venue would be suited for an NHL team, too, should Salt Lake City get an expansion franchise or relocate a team to Utah.
The Jazz would not comment on the Tribune story.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards could soon be offered a new arena in Northern Virginia. A group of state lawmakers is said to be mulling a deal to lure the Wizards and the NHL’s Capitals away from their current home, Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. A pact would also include a practice facility and mixed-use development, according to The Washington Post.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns both teams, hasn’t commented on the matter.
Full Court Press
Either move would add to similar recent efforts across the NBA.
Next season, the Los Angeles Clippers will move out of Crypto.com Arena and into the $2 billion Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to secure plans to move out of Wells Fargo Center and a new downtown arena that they wouldn’t have to share with the NHL’s Flyers.
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