Uncertainty Looms: Arizona Coyotes' Arena Ambitions Depend on Land Auction Outcome

Wednesday, March 20th, 2024

The future of the Arizona Coyotes in Phoenix is uncertain as they gear up to participate in an auction for a parcel of land intended for a new arena.

The land has been appraised at $68.5 million and will be publicly advertised for ten weeks leading up to the auction in mid-June. Should owner Alex Meruelo not succeed in acquiring the land, the team will continue to lack a fixed arena.

After a proposed land arrangement in Tempe was rejected via a 2023 public vote, the Coyotes currently compete at a 5,000-seat facility at Arizona State University. Their existing contract ends after the next season, though there is an option to renew.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has called for patience, expressing the league's preference for securing a new arena as early as possible, despite setbacks like the Tempe vote.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has expressed confidence that the Coyotes are likely to stay in Arizona for the next season, even if the bid doesn't succeed. Bettman pointed out that the timing of the auction could clash with the NHL's schedule announcement, complicating matters.

Following a successful bid by Meruelo for the land, the league's attention will shift towards the construction of the arena, with Daly affirming the league's devotion to maintaining the team in the Phoenix region as it is seen as a strong market for the NHL.

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