• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

NHL Execs Ice Cold On Coyotes’ Arena Plans

Arizona-Coyotes
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes revealed potential plans to play at Arizona State University’s rink for the next few seasons, but executives around the league are reportedly concerned, some even labeling the situation a “nightmare” and “embarrassing.”

With a seating capacity of 5,000, the facility is roughly three times smaller than the average NHL arena. Executives told The Athletic that playing at a smaller arena could affect player salaries, escrow, and teams’ bottom lines.

The average revenue for an NHL team was $140.9 million during the 2019-20 season.

For now, Coyotes have to be out of Glendale’s Gila River Arena by June 30.

  • In August, Glendale said it would not renew its lease due to financial obligations that were not met.
  • In September, the Coyotes unveiled their $1.7 billion arena proposal, calling for roughly $200 million from taxpayers.
  • The team paid all of its delinquent city and state taxes — around $1.3 million — in December, avoiding eviction.
  • PHNX Sports reported the Tempe City Council was leaning against the venue, and one organization is calling on residents to voice their disapproval to the council.

One NHL executive said he wouldn’t be surprised if the owners were forced to move or sell.

Far From Ideal

Another potential issue with playing at ASU is the Coyotes would have to abide by NCAA rules, which would leave locker rooms, training facilities, and workout areas out of the equation. 

Morgan was told that the additional areas would cost $15 million to $20 million, which would have to come straight from owner Alex Meruelo.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena

Panthers Lock Up Stanley Cup–Winning Core With Long-Term Deals

Hours before free agency, Florida cemented terms with their essential players.

College Sports Revenue-Sharing Underway As More Changes Loom

July 1 marks the first day schools can directly pay players.

NHL Free Agency Begins With Big Money but Modest Star Power

Teams will look to take advantage of an enlarged salary cap.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.

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

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
June 26, 2025

Bengals Strike 10-Year, $470M Stadium Deal to Stay in Cincinnati

The NFL franchise and Hamilton County have agreed to a new lease.
July 1, 2025

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

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

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 26, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Now Relies on Ohioans’ Forgotten Money

Ohio’s Modell Law is revised, while stadium funding faces new challenges.
June 25, 2025

MLB’s Bold Bristol Plan: Inside the Renovation and Potential Records

Work accelerates to convert the massive motorsports venue for baseball.
June 24, 2025

Diamondbacks Score Up to $500M for Chase Field Renovation

Concerns about another potential team relocation in Arizona influence the vote.
June 23, 2025

A’s Launch $1.75B Ballpark Build With Funding Puzzle Still Unsolved

Ground is broken in Las Vegas, but funding issues, Sacramento woes persist.