Utah's Sports Landscape Could Welcome the NHL
Utah's sports scene may soon be welcoming a major addition if the state's ownership group has its way. The Utah Jazz ownership, led by Ryan Smith of SEG, is actively pursuing the introduction of an NHL team to the Beehive State. This initiative marks a significant moment for Utah, which is no stranger to professional sports but has yet to host a team in one of North America's four major leagues outside of the NBA.
Arena Plans and Expansion Talks
The plan includes utilizing the Vivint Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, as a temporary venue for the potential hockey franchise. The arena would serve as the NHL team's home while a new, dedicated facility is developed to ensure long-term viability and possibly host events for the 2034 Winter Olympics, for which Salt Lake City is currently a bidder.
Discussions with the National Hockey League commenced in 2022, exploring the feasibility of either relocating an existing team or creating a brand-new expansion team. The NHL has expressed openness to considering Salt Lake City as a market, although they have emphasized that their current focus is on strengthening the existing 32 teams rather than expanding the league further at this time.
Arizona Coyotes' Uncertain Future
Amid these discussions, the Arizona Coyotes' future remains in limbo as they seek a new arena within Arizona. Ryan Smith has shown interest in potentially acquiring the Coyotes, should they become available for relocation. However, the NHL has historically preferred to keep teams in their current markets and has become increasingly resistant to moving franchises compared to past decades.
Utah's Hockey Heritage
While Utah might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of ice hockey, it does have a history with the sport. The ECHL's Utah Grizzlies have been a part of the community, and since 2018, the state has hosted five NHL pre-season games, indicating a growing interest in hockey among Utah residents.
Olympic Aspirations and Infrastructure
The push for an NHL team aligns with Utah's broader sports ambitions, including its bid to host the Winter Olympics again. A new arena would not only solidify the NHL team's presence but also provide a world-class venue for Olympic hockey events, should Salt Lake City be selected for the 2034 Games.
Ryan Smith's Investment in Utah Sports
Ryan Smith's commitment to Utah's sports landscape is well-documented, having invested in both the NBA's Utah Jazz and MLS's Real Salt Lake City in just over two years. His and his wife Ashley's dedication to enhancing the community through sports is evident and has garnered support from both the NHL and Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
"Ryan Smith's track record of investing in sports teams, with purchases of both the NBA's Utah Jazz and MLS's Real Salt Lake City in the past two and a half years, demonstrates his and his wife Ashley's commitment to their community," remarked one source familiar with the matter.
The NHL has also recognized the Smiths' enthusiasm and vision for transforming Utah into a dynamic center for sports and entertainment. "The league commends the Smiths' passion and vision for Utah as a burgeoning hub for sports and entertainment," said a spokesperson for the NHL.
Relocation: A Last Resort
Despite the excitement surrounding the prospect of an NHL team in Utah, the league maintains a cautious stance on team relocations. "We need to make sure that we explore all the options before we consider relocation," stated a representative from the NHL, highlighting the preference to stabilize existing franchises where they are. This conservative approach suggests that any potential move to bring a team to Utah would require careful consideration and a strong case for the market's viability.
In conclusion, while the NHL is not actively seeking to expand beyond its current 32 teams, the possibility of bringing professional hockey to Utah is on the horizon. With Ryan Smith at the helm, the Jazz's arena ready to host games, and the state's Olympic aspirations providing additional impetus, Utah could very well be the next frontier for the NHL. However, many factors remain in play, and the process will likely be a marathon rather than a sprint. Utah's sports fans, though, have reason to be optimistic about what the future holds.