Arizona Coyotes Officially Relocating to Salt Lake City
NHL Board of Governors Approves $1.2 Billion Sale
Move Set for 2024-25 Season
After years of speculation and uncertainty, the Arizona Coyotes are officially relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah. The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved a $1.2 billion sale from Alex Meruelo to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith on Thursday, clearing the way for the franchise's move next season.
The Coyotes, who have called Arizona home since 1996, played their final game in the state on Wednesday, a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus.
The move to Salt Lake City caps a tumultuous period for the Coyotes franchise, which has faced financial struggles and attendance woes in recent years. The team had been exploring relocation options for some time, and the Utah Jazz emerged as a strong candidate earlier this year.
The Coyotes' move will bring NHL hockey to Salt Lake City for the first time since the Utah Grizzlies left the city in 2005. The team will play its home games at the newly renovated Vivint Arena, which also hosts the Jazz and concerts.
The relocation is expected to have a significant impact on the NHL landscape, as it will expand the league's geographic footprint in the Western United States. It will also add a new rivalry between the Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche, who are located just a few hours away in Denver.
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