• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025

Coyotes to Remain in Tempe Next Season After Election Setback

  • Coyotes will return for a second season at ASU’s Mullett Arena as future remains in flux.
  • Tempe voters rejected ballot measures for a $2.1B arena project.
The Arizona Coyotes will play at least one more season in Tempe after voters rejected referendum on new arena and entertainment project.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Salt Lake City Coyotes — or the Houston or Quebec version — will have to wait. 

A day after Tempe voters rejected a proposal for a privately financed $2.1 billion arena project, a source told Front Office Sports that the Arizona Coyotes will remain in town next season. 

The Coyotes — who are in the midst of a three-year agreement to play at Arizona State’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena — were stunned by the negative results of Tuesday’s vote on three ballot initiatives. None garnered more than 44% support, and those within the team were optimistic before the still-unofficial election results were posted. 

ASU and the Coyotes agreed to a three-year lease before the start of the 2022-23 season, and the team spent millions on upgrades to its temporary home in Tempe. While relocation likely remains an option down the line, breaking the lease and finding a new home before next season starts in October would have been a major lift.

Industry sources interviewed by FOS said it’s likely that the Coyotes and NHL would seek a long-term home versus another temporary one in a different market. 

Alex Meruelo, who purchased the Coyotes for around $300 million in 2019, has made it clear that he will make every effort to keep the team in the Phoenix area. The Coyotes have played in three different venues — including arenas in Phoenix and Glendale — since the franchise relocated from Winnipeg in 1996. 

Now, with the bad election results, there’s also been chatter about Meruelo potentially selling the team — but one source said any such talk is “all speculation at this point.” 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jon Ledecky

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges

The buy-in price for the league will more than triple.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
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
October 10, 2025

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.’”
IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, left, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix with team co-owner Dan Towriss in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss Defends  $700 Million Apple Deal

“We’re going to have a bigger reach than what people think.”
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Second place Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) sprays champagne on winner Mercedes driver George Russell (63) at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 17, 2025

Apple Officially Taking F1 Rights From ESPN in $700M Deal

ESPN has broadcast F1 in the U.S. since 2018.
Hansi Flick
October 17, 2025

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
WNBA
October 16, 2025

WNBA Says All-Star Game Will Return to Chicago Next Year

The league’s CBA expires in two weeks.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
October 14, 2025

Dawn Staley Says NBA Far From Ready to Hire a Female Head..

South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach interviewed with the Knicks.
October 14, 2025

Cavaliers Go All In, Lead NBA With Record $392M Payroll

The Cavs are the only second-apron violator in the NBA.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.
October 13, 2025

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.