Utah will host the NHL. The NHL Board of Governors has unanimously approved the formation of a new hockey team in Utah, following weeks of speculation and reports. Though officially referred to as a new team, it will basically function as the sale and relocation of Arizona Coyotes players and staff under a different moniker.
“The National Hockey League’s Board of Governors today approved the establishment of a franchise beginning with the 2024–25 season in Utah, that will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, which is led by Ryan and Ashley Smith,” reads the memo from the league’s public relations department. Furthermore, the Board authorized a strategy that inactively suspends the Arizona Coyotes franchise, with the option to restart if
Effective at closing, the approved transactions will result in the Coyotes’ franchise transferring the totality of its existing hockey assets – including its full Reserve List, roster of Players and draft picks and its Hockey Operations Department – to the Utah franchise.”
The sale has been reportedly valued at $1.2 billion. Ryan and Ashley Smith said of the acquisition, “We are committed to building a Stanley Cup-contending team and are thrilled to welcome incredible players, coaches, staff, and their families to Utah. Today is a great day for Utah, for hockey, and for building a legacy that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
The Arizona Coyotes name and branding will remain in Arizona with the inactive franchise, which will require a new name and brand for the Utah NHL team. Ryan Smith has been openly requesting input from Utahns on the team name. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported today that the team will be named Utah rather than Salt Lake City and that the team’s name may remain undecided until after their first season in Utah.
