**Uncertain Future for NHL in Arizona: Coyotes Face Ownership Changes and Arena Cancellation**
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024
Alex Meruelo has chosen to give up ownership of the Arizona Coyotes, adding more uncertainty to the team's future in the desert.
On Monday, Meruelo's son informed the Coyotes staff about this decision. This news came after the Arizona State Land Department canceled an auction for land planned for a new arena.
The Coyotes have not had a stable home since moving from Winnipeg in 1996. They have shared an arena in Phoenix with the NBA's Phoenix Suns, moved to Glendale in 2003, and currently play at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena, which is only a temporary fix.
Following the cancellation of the land auction, Meruelo opted to sell the franchise to the owners of the Utah Jazz, who renamed it the Utah Hockey Club. However, Meruelo kept the Coyotes' identity with hopes of creating an expansion franchise if a new arena is established within five years.
A new owner for any expansion franchise would need NHL approval. The league is expected to wait on considering expansion until the situation in Arizona becomes more stable.
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