Utah Jazz Owner Ryan Smith Brings NHL Expansion Team to Salt Lake City

Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz, has officially landed a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise for Salt Lake City, Utah. The NHL's Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Utah, where the team will begin play in the 2024-25 season.

The deal, which cost Smith and his wife Ashley up to $1.3 billion, includes the Coyotes' hockey operations such as the player roster and draft picks. However, the Coyotes name, logo, and intellectual property will be retained by the former owner Alex Meruelo, who has the option to reactivate the franchise in Arizona within the next five years if he can secure a new arena.

The new Utah team, initially referred to as "Utah" until a permanent name is chosen, will play its home games at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The arena, which currently hosts the Utah Jazz, will undergo renovations to expand its seating capacity to around 17,500 for hockey.

At a press conference announcing the franchise, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Utah as a "terrific, rapidly growing market" for winter sports. Ryan Smith expressed his commitment to bringing a Stanley Cup to Utah and creating the "greatest fan experience in all of sports."

The response from the Utah market has been overwhelming, with over 22,700 season ticket deposits received within 30 hours of the announcement. Smith Entertainment Group, which owns the Jazz and the Delta Center, has already contracted an ad agency to handle the rebranding process for the new team.

Why this matters: The arrival of an NHL team in Salt Lake City marks a significant milestone for Utah's sports landscape and national presence. The enthusiasm surrounding the new franchise highlights the market's potential to support a successful NHL team alongside the Utah Jazz in the NBA.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox welcomed the announcement, calling it a defining moment for the state that will generate promising opportunities for the community. With Smith's track record of success with the Jazz and his commitment to building a championship-caliber team, hockey fans in Utah have reason to be optimistic about the future of the new franchise.

Key Takeaways

• Ryan Smith, owner of Utah Jazz, acquires NHL franchise for Salt Lake City.
• Coyotes to relocate to Utah, play at renovated Delta Center starting 2024-25.
• Franchise cost up to $1.3 billion, with Coyotes' name and logo retained by former owner.
• Over 22,700 season ticket deposits received within 30 hours of announcement.
• Utah's sports landscape and national presence to be significantly impacted by NHL team.