• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Coyotes’ Arena Options in Arizona Are Drying Up. Is Relocation Next?

  • Scottsdale’s mayor cites water, infrastructure, and retail issues with the team’s site proposal.
  • The team has also raised the prospect of relocation if the latest proposal fails.
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A third municipality in the Phoenix area has put up obstacles in the Coyotes’ long-running effort to build a new arena, raising more doubts about whether the NHL team will ultimately survive in the Valley of the Sun. 

Just days after the Coyotes announced plans to bid on a 110-acre parcel of land in north Phoenix and develop a $3 billion arena and mixed-use development there, the mayor of the neighboring city of Scottsdale has blasted those intentions as “fantasy.” The opposition adds to the team’s prior struggles in Glendale, where leaders terminated the team’s lease agreement for Gila River Arena, and in Tempe, where voters rejected an arena development referendum. 

“The prospect of a rookie developer attempting to buy Arizona State Trust Land with absolutely no infrastructure … at the doorstep of Scottsdale is not feasible, or welcome,” Scottsdale mayor David Ortega wrote in an op-ed in the Arizona Digital Free Press.

Ortega went on to say the Coyotes presented the plan “without mention of market demand for a new entertainment venue disguised as a hockey arena, or congested highway access, or questionable arena zoning entitlement.”

The foremost issues at hand for Ortega: the lack of water and sewer lines at the site, as well as the project’s proximity to “the retail lions of Scottsdale.” The mayor added that “Scottsdale water assets are absolutely not available,” an unsurprising stance given the entire Phoenix area has grappled with an extended shortage due to climate change, and particularly shortfalls in the Colorado River that is a crucial local water source.  

Relocation Rumblings

The Coyotes have not commented on Ortega’s statement, and the issues he raises are not necessarily insurmountable. But already, the team’s margin for error on the project is thin. If the Coyotes fail to win the land auction, team officials have said that relocation becomes a very real option. 

Even before that, Salt Lake City had already made its intentions known of having an NHL franchise there, and the NHL Players’ Association has also pushed for a solution to the Coyotes’ arena problems that have stretched over many years. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
October 7, 2025

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
September 29, 2025

A’s Unveil Sacramento Jerseys As Vegas Development Advances

The club unveils an alternate “Sacramento” jersey as Las Vegas plans advance.
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Nabers was carted off the field with an injury after the play.
September 29, 2025

Malik Nabers’s Torn ACL Rekindles NFL’s Grass vs. Turf Debate

The Giants star tore his ACL on MetLife Stadium’s artificial surface.