The Arizona Coyotes, a franchise with a rich history dating back to the Winnipeg Jets, are currently inactive in the NHL. Follow updates on the future of professional hockey in Arizona.
The Arizona Coyotes represent a professional ice hockey franchise with a notable history, currently in a state of inactivity within the National Hockey League (NHL). Their origins trace back to 1971 as the Winnipeg Jets, a founding member of the World Hockey Association (WHA), where they achieved considerable success, including three Avco World Trophy championships. In 1979, the Jets were one of four WHA franchises absorbed into the NHL. Due to financial difficulties, the team was sold and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1996, adopting the name Phoenix Coyotes. In 2014, the franchise was rebranded as the Arizona Coyotes to reflect a broader statewide identity.
Throughout their tenure in Arizona, the team played at various venues, including the America West Arena in Phoenix, Gila River Arena (now Desert Diamond Arena) in Glendale, and most recently, the Mullett Arena in Tempe. The search for a long-term arena solution was a recurring theme. Despite these challenges, the team had memorable moments, such as reaching the Western Conference Finals in the 2011-12 season.
In April 2024, it was announced that the Coyotes' hockey assets would be transferred to a new franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Arizona franchise would become inactive. The agreement includes a clause allowing owner Alex Meruelo to reactivate the Coyotes as an expansion team in Arizona within a five-year period, provided a new NHL-standard arena is constructed. The Arizona community remains hopeful for the team's potential return.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Tom Galvin announced the formation of a committee of political and business leaders aiming to bring NHL hockey back to Arizona. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed meeting with Galvin.
Following the cancellation of a key land auction for a new arena, Alex Meruelo reportedly no longer has interest in pursuing arena options in Arizona, signaling an end to his efforts to revive the franchise.
The NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the Arizona Coyotes' hockey assets to Smith Entertainment Group for a new franchise in Utah. The Coyotes become inactive with the right to reactivate within five years if a new Arizona arena is built.
Even without a professional NHL team in the state, the Jr. Coyotes youth hockey program continues to grow and develop aspiring college and NHL players in Arizona, showcasing the local passion for the sport.
Alex Meruelo, the former owner of the Arizona Coyotes, is reportedly seeking public funding for a $1 billion arena project in Reno, Nevada, which would include a 10,000-seat ice rink.
Alex Meruelo's company, IceArizona Hockey Co. LLC, filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Board of Regents to recover a $3.5 million security deposit related to the Mullett Arena lease after the Coyotes relocated to Utah.
In what was widely considered the Coyotes' final game in Arizona before relocation, fans showed their support and emotion, marking the end of an era for hockey in the desert.
Reports in April 2024 indicated the NHL was preparing a contingency plan for the potential relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, Utah, amid ongoing arena uncertainty for the team.
Frequently asked questions about purchasing tickets
