Arizona Coyotes to Relocate to Salt Lake City
Unanimous Approval from NHL Board of Governors
Sale to Utah Jazz Owners Finalized
In a decisive move that has been in the works for months, the Arizona Coyotes are officially relocating to Salt Lake City. The National Hockey League (NHL) Board of Governors voted unanimously on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to approve a $12 billion sale from current owner Alex Meruelo to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. This paves the way for the franchise's move to Utah for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The news comes as a culmination of a whirlwind week that saw the Coyotes' relocation plans gather momentum. The NHL's Board of Directors had previously announced its approval to establish a franchise in Utah, and with the Coyotes' sale now finalized, the relocation is official.
The Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City will have significant implications for both the franchise and the city. The Coyotes will become the first major professional sports team in Utah since the Utah Jazz relocated to Salt Lake City in 1985.
For the Coyotes, the relocation offers a fresh start and an opportunity to establish a new fan base in a growing and enthusiastic hockey market. The team has struggled to find success in Arizona, having not made the playoffs since 2012. The move to Salt Lake City will provide a new environment for the team to regroup and build a winning culture.
The relocation will also have a significant impact on the NHL landscape. The Western Conference will now feature 16 teams, while the Eastern Conference will remain at 15. The Coyotes will join the Central Division, adding another competitive team to the mix.
The Coyotes' relocation is a testament to the growing popularity of hockey in the United States. The NHL has been expanding into new markets in recent years, and the addition of a team in Salt Lake City is a further sign of the sport's growing reach.
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