The National Hockey League is once again turning its gaze toward Arizona, where the Coyotes have been without a home since they were forced out of the league in 2022.
Recent overtures from local stakeholders have sparked speculation that a new franchise could be resurrected in the Phoenix market, backed by an ambitious $3.5 billion arena project.
A Renewed Push for a Phoenix Team
Dan Friedkin, the billionaire who controls both AS Roma and Everton, has emerged as a potential lead investor, promising the kind of financial muscle that the NHL has said is essential for any expansion venture.
Bill Daly, the league’s deputy commissioner, confirmed that Arizona stakeholders have expressed interest, though he cautioned that no formal approval has been granted and that the process remains in its early stages.
Alex Meruelo’s ownership consortium already carries the NHL’s seal of approval as a prospective team owner, a milestone that dates back to the franchise’s stint at Gila River Arena in Glendale and its final seasons at Mullett Arena in Tempe.
The Coyotes’ journey began with a move from Winnipeg in 1996, followed by a high‑profile relocation to Salt Lake City where they were rebranded as the Utah Mammoths under Ryan Smith’s Smith Entertainment Group after a $1.2 billion purchase.
If the league proceeds, the next expansion fee could climb past $2 billion, eclipsing the sums paid by the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights, and would cement the NHL as the largest professional sports league in North America.
For a market that has already endured the disappointment of a team left without a home, the prospect of a second chance offers a compelling narrative that could reshape the hockey landscape in the Southwest.