• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

New Stadiums, New Hurdles: Coyotes and A’s Face High Stakes

  • The former Coyotes owner takes further steps to try to advance his proposed arena project.
  • Las Vegas officials review a non-relocation agreement from the A’s.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Lawson Crouse (67) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The good news for the NHL’s former Coyotes franchise is that owner Alex Meruelo is in active conversations with Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego about the possibility of a new arena. The bad news is that Gallego remains firmly opposed to some core parts of a potential Coyotes arena plan. 

As the team has relocated to Utah and been sold to a group led by Ryan Smith—setting off a five-year window for Meruelo to revive the Coyotes—Gallego’s office late Thursday confirmed a meeting held earlier this month with the owner. The mayor’s representatives called the session “productive,” but emphasized that public funds should not be part of the project. 

“The mayor believes professional hockey can thrive in the desert, but also made clear that she does not support using taxpayer funds, including property tax abatement, for sports arenas,” Gallego’s office said in a statement. 

Prior arena plans released by the team have centered on a privately funded arena, but also creating a special theme park district with taxing authority within it, and using those funds to help finance the project. Whether that aligns with Gallego’s firm stance against taxpayer funds will be the subject of further talks. But already, the Meruelo plan has begun to draw other local opposition

The meeting between Meruelo and Gallego also precedes a public land auction scheduled for June 27. Much of the franchise’s hopes are tied to that event, where Meruelo intends to secure a 110-acre parcel of state-owned land in north Phoenix, initially appraised at $68.5 million. 

Winning that land would represent a critical step forward for Meruelo, but only an initial one with many more hurdles likely still ahead of him. 

Back in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Stadium Authority, meanwhile, recently reviewed a non-relocation pact from MLB’s A’s, marking the third of four primary agreements the authority must approve as part of the previously sanctioned $380 million in state funds for a planned ballpark along the Las Vegas Strip, and tying the team to the market for at least 30 years. 

Two prior components—a core lease agreement and a community benefits plan—were previously presented. The fourth part, a development agreement for the ballpark, has yet to arrive and is perhaps the most critical component. There, the club and its owner, John Fisher, will detail how they will pay their share of the projected $1.5 billion total stadium cost. 

That team chunk, set to exceed $1.1 billion, also intersects with Fisher’s recent hire of veteran sports finance firm Galatioto Sports Partners to help secure investors to help fund the project. 

“I think the A’s have been pretty darn clear about what they’re doing—they’re coming,” said Steve Hill, stadium authority chair. “They said they can finance the stadium, and they are going to play baseball here in 2028. Frankly, I think it’s just fun for some to create some drama around it, and that’s happening. … But it doesn’t change the facts of the matter, which is [that] they’ve said what they’re going to do, and they’re just doing it.”

Like the situation in Phoenix, the planned ballpark development in Las Vegas is one of the most noteworthy facility projects, either proposed or in progress, across the entire sports industry.  

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Misiorowski’s Path From Anonymous to MLB All-Star In 5 Games

The Brewers flamethrower has just five games of major-league experience.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

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

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.
July 9, 2025

Browns $600M Stadium Deal Hit With Suit Over ‘Unclaimed’ Money

Ohio’s use of unclaimed funds for a new stadium is challenged legally.
April 19, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Tim Leiweke of the Oak View Group speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena that will be home to concerts and the UT basketball teams on Tuesday April 19, 2022.
July 9, 2025

Oak View Founder Tim Leiweke Indicted for Alleged Rigged Arena Bid

The longtime sports executive leaves his day-to-day leadership role.
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
July 8, 2025

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Kansas legislators extend bonds for potential Chiefs and Royals facilities.
Jul 3, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) on day seven at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 7, 2025

Wimbledon’s Expansion Battle Looms Over Star-Studded Quarterfinals

The expansion’s loudest opposition is Save Wimbledon Park.
July 2, 2025

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
July 1, 2025

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.