NHL Expansion: Could Arizona Land Another Team After Losing One?
As NHL expansion continues to be a hot topic, speculation about potential cities for the league’s 33rd or 34th franchise is heating up. One city that could surprisingly find itself back in the mix is Phoenix, Arizona. Despite losing the Arizona Coyotes, there’s growing talk that the area might be considered for another NHL team in the near future.
Phoenix, the 11th-largest metropolitan area in the United States and third-largest among cities without an NHL team, is home to several major sports franchises, including the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Its size and market potential make it an attractive candidate for expansion. According to ustvdb.com, Phoenix is the 11th-largest TV market in the U.S., boasting over 2.1 million TV households.
However, the primary issue that led to the Coyotes’ demise was the lack of a suitable arena. The Coyotes were left to play in the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena after multiple efforts to secure a new venue fell through. Former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo had been pursuing land for a new rink and entertainment district in Phoenix, but after a failed referendum in Tempe in 2023 and subsequent setbacks, he relinquished the franchise rights in June.
Interestingly, the NHL reportedly offered Meruelo a pathway back into the league as an expansion team owner if a new arena could be completed within five years. This indicates that the league is open to the idea of bringing hockey back to Phoenix, provided that a state-of-the-art arena can be secured.
Phoenix’s history with the NHL is marked by a lack of on-ice success, with the Coyotes managing only nine playoff appearances and three postseason series wins in 28 years. The team’s instability, with three different home arenas during its time in Arizona, contributed to declining attendance and support.
While bringing another NHL team to Phoenix would require a significant investment, possibly without public funding, the city’s size, market potential, and historical connection to hockey make it a compelling option for future expansion. The challenge, however, will be securing a top-tier venue that can attract investors, fans, and players alike.
Leave a Reply