• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Despite Phoenix Progress, Salt Lake City Looms in Coyotes’ Arena Efforts

  • NHL team files application to buy about 200 acres of state trust land in north Phoenix.
  • Union officials express concern over the team’s continued operation in a 5,000-seat arena.
Mullett Arena
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Coyotes’ long-planned effort to build a new arena and mixed-use development has taken another step forward. But that hasn’t stopped chatter that a move to Salt Lake City might be the preferable outcome. 

The NHL team has filed an application to buy about 200 acres of state trust land in north Phoenix, advancing on recent interest in that area and signaling that the location could be the project’s new home after voters in Tempe, Ariz., rejected building there. The Coyotes confirmed the application, but said other sites remain in consideration, and the team signed a letter of intent last August on a separate parcel in Mesa. 

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, meanwhile, said during the league’s All-Star weekend in Toronto that the Coyotes’ arena situation “will be addressed in the next few weeks.”

“[Team owner] Alex Meruelo told me as recently as last week that he was certain he was going to get this done,” Bettman said. “I don’t make it a practice of contradicting owners unless I have hard facts to the contrary. I’m both hopeful and reasonably confident that he’s going to do what he says.”

Despite Bettman’s confidence, calls persist for the team to move to Salt Lake City, particularly after Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith amplified his efforts to bring an NHL franchise there. The Athletic was the latest to argue for a move to Utah, saying, “The reality is, if the Coyotes can’t get going on a new building and Salt Lake City is ready to go—which Smith says they are—then the easy, and relatively seamless, solution is to transfer Arizona to Salt Lake City.”

NHL Players Association leaders are also voicing concern about the Coyotes’ situation and raising the prospect of relocation. 

“Unfortunately, we’ve had two unofficial deadlines to come up with some movement, and we’ve gone past both of those,” said union executive director Marty Walsh. “If there’s no plan in Arizona, I would encourage a move to another location, absolutely. … They’re playing in a college arena, and they’re the second tenant in that arena. This is not the way to run a business.”

While the arena pursuit continues, the Coyotes are playing at Arizona State University’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena (above), by far the smallest venue in the NHL.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

MLS Suspends Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba for Skipping All-Star Game

The league enforces its existing policy on its biggest star.

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.

Featured Today

Limited Hype

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Ryan Field Construction
exclusive
July 19, 2025

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
Sponsored

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

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Workers prepare for the Red Sox home-opener at Fenway Park on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
July 23, 2025

Fenway Park Workers Say They’ll Strike Friday Without a Deal

The Red Sox host the Dodgers this weekend.
Josh Donaldson
July 17, 2025

Josh Donaldson Seeks Another $70K in Landlord Dispute

Donaldson rented the house while playing for the Yankees in 2022.
The 153rd Open
July 16, 2025

Trump Talks Continue, but Turnberry’s Open Return Is Uncertain

Trump Turnberry is still under consideration for future Open Championships.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.
July 10, 2025

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.