• Loading stock data...
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Coyotes Plan To Buy Land In Mesa For New Arena

  • NHL team sticks with plan to focus on Phoenix’s East Valley for arena site
  • Even with letter of intent, search will continue for other land parcels
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes have found a new plot of land to potentially build a new arena and remain in the Phoenix market.

Less than three months after a stinging ballot-box defeat for a proposed arena and mixed-use development in Tempe, the Coyotes and team owner Alex Meruelo have signed a letter of intent to purchase a plot of land in Mesa as the possible site of a sports arena and entertainment district.

The project would seek to replicate the core of the $2.1 billion project proposed in Tempe, including a 16,000-seat arena, hotels, shops, restaurants, and housing.

Since the Tempe rejection, both the Coyotes and NHL had been adamant about remaining in the Phoenix area if possible. The Coyotes, however, have no intention of pursuing another referendum approval. Team president Xavier Gutierrez said in June, “Our goal is to try to get to a straight line and have a resolution as quickly as possible.”

“The Coyotes remain committed to building the first privately funded sports facility in Arizona history and ensuring the Valley as the club’s permanent home,” the team said Wednesday. 

Located in the Phoenix area’s East Valley, Mesa is also home to two MLB Cactus League complexes: the Chicago Cubs’ Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Oakland A’s.

Even with the letter of intent for the land purchase, the Coyotes said they’ll continue to explore other potential development sites in the East Valley. For now, the team remains at Arizona State University’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena.

The Coyotes’ local TV situation, however, remains tenuous amid ongoing turmoil with Bally Sports Arizona and its bankrupt parent, Diamond Sports Group.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Unveils NFL Christmas Slate With Cowboys, Lions in Spotlight

The streamer’s holiday games lean in to two heated division rivalries.
Hillary Trochek/Statement Threads Shop

How Custom Stanley Cup Playoffs WAGs Jackets Come Together

The process behind custom postseason jackets is meticulous—and aspirational.

Jeff Darlington Eyes ESPN Extension—and More Golf Storytelling

The reporter is approaching the end of his deal at the network.

Dallas Sports Is Booming—and It’s Not All About the Cowboys

The Mavericks’ draft lottery win extends a frenetic run across the Metroplex.

Featured Today

Gracelyn Laudermilch

The House Settlement Has Thrown High School Athletes Into Crisis

FOS spoke to an athlete devastated by House settlement roster cuts.
Boomstick Burrito
May 11, 2025

The Arms Race to Create the Wildest Ballpark Concessions

Forget the score—did you see the milkshake?
Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal vs Grand Canyon University Antelopes during the MPSF Men's Volleyball Championship at Galen Center.
exclusive
May 10, 2025

‘What Just Happened’: Inside the Abrupt End of Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball

Inside Grand Canyon’s shocking decision to cut men’s volleyball.
Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee (l) greets former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the game between the LA Clippers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
May 9, 2025

‘Friends of the Garden’: Inside the NBA’s Most Exclusive Celebrity Suite

“Among the titans of industry, deals are done at Suite 200.”
Gianni Infantino

Rights Groups Sound Alarm on Saudi Worker Deaths Ahead of World Cup

Saudi Arabia promised construction of 11 stadiums for the 2034 World Cup.
May 6, 2025

After Getting Sixers to Stay, Comcast Putting Its Own Name on Arena

Comcast will spotlight its mobile business at the South Philadelphia venue.
May 6, 2025

Trump Gets Another Golf Win With Euro Tour’s Scottish Championship

Trump International Golf Links Scotland will host a tournament in August.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In the latest Portfolio Players—our series spotlighting athlete and executive investors—Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, owner of Gotham FC & advisor to the New York Giants, breaks down how sports, brand, and capital are reshaping fandom and the business of women’s sports.
Sep 26, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; David Kohler on the second hole during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits.
May 5, 2025

Ryder Cup Comeback? Billionaire Owner Eyes Whistling Straits Return

The course has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA championships.
April 30, 2025

Utah Hockey Capacity Set to Rise by 6,000—Literally

Hockey sight lines will be greatly improved at the downtown arena.
April 29, 2025

Will Commanders Get Their Stadium? Public Funding Hangs in Balance

The NFL team will have an uphill battle with skeptical council members.
April 28, 2025

London’s Big Sports Play: From NFL Games to Olympic Dreams

The English capital says it has already generated sizable returns from sports.