Monday, November 2, 2026

Bettman Still Committed To Arizona Even After Tempe Plan Rejected

  • Team exploring other options in Phoenix area for arena development.
  • League confirms high-profile Stadium Series games next season at MetLife Stadium.
Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Following a stinging ballot box defeat in Tempe, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league and the Arizona Coyotes remain committed to the Phoenix market and are looking at alternate options to build a new arena in the area.

Bettman’s deputy Bill Daly had confirmed talks with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith about the latter’s desire to place an NHL team in Salt Lake City.

“It’s a good market, and if we can make it work, we’ll make it work,” Bettman said of Phoenix. 

The $2.1 billion Tempe proposal that was rejected included a 16,000-seat arena, hotels, shops, restaurants, and as many as 1,990 apartments on 46 acres. 

MetLife Bonanza

The NHL confirmed plans to stage two outdoor Stadium Series games next season at MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets. The Philadelphia Flyers will face the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 17, followed by the New York Rangers vs. the New York Islanders the next day.

The games will be he NHL’s first to be played outdoors in New Jersey.

Bettman said the NHL’s hockey-related revenue for the 2022-23 season is approaching $6 billion — a healthy number that nevertheless won’t boost next year’s salary cap significantly, as players continue to pay off pandemic-related revenue losses.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.

NHL Winter Classic Weekend Expanding Amid Utah’s Sports Push

The “Winter Weekend” includes events with the Jazz, Mammoth, and a concert.

Pro Sports Owners Have Poured Over $100 Million Into the Midterms

Mavs owner Miriam Adelson is by far the biggest spender in sports.

Kings’ Anschutz Outspends NHL Owners in Midterm Donations

Philip Anschutz contributed over $1.3 million to Republicans.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/2/26 – Valkyries’ Billion-Dollar Title, FSU’s $50M Firing, Ernie on Inside’s Future

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.

MLB Free Agency Opens, Eight Players Get Qualifying Offers

Uncertainty continues to loom over MLB’s offseason player market.
November 1, 2026

Vikings Loss Reinforces NFL’s Parity-Driven Business Model

The NFL hasn’t had an undefeated team since the 1972 Dolphins.
Golf - Dubai Desert Classic 2025 - Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - January 19, 2025 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy in action as he tees off on the eighth during the final round
November 2, 2026

DP World Tour, WWE Press On in Middle East Amid War

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship begins Thursday with a $9 million purse.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
November 1, 2026

NFL Owners Haven’t Fired a Coach Yet: ‘It’s Coming,’ Agent Says

The league hasn’t gone this long without a coaching change since 2017.
October 31, 2026

Valkyries Win WNBA Title in Second Season

It’s the last Finals appearance for WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
October 31, 2026

WNBA Finals Game 6 Draws 1.5M Viewers After Scheduling Uproar

The controversial matinee game outdrew last year’s primetime championship clincher.
First at FOS
October 31, 2026

Caleb Williams Hiding Cleat Logos ‘Makes Sense’ After Fines, CEO Says

Close to 100 NFL players wear Caddix cleats without endorsement deals.