After reports on Friday night suggested that the Arizona Coyotes are set on relocating to Utah, team owner Alex Meruelo has come out with a statement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a press release, Meruelo expressed that he is unable to talk about certain issues and the finer details surrounding this situation, but will do so at a later date.
“There has been a lot of discussion in recent days about the future of the Arizona Coyotes,” Meruelo said. “I understand and empathize with the concerns of our fans, our community, our partners, our players, our front office and all of our team members. I hope to address these issues as soon as I am able to speak on these topics.
We are focused on a myriad of issues that are unresolved and therefore, we are unable to make any official public comments at this time. However, you have my commitment that I am going to speak on all of these issues and publicly address all of your concerns as promptly as possible.”
Statement from Arizona Coyotes Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo. pic.twitter.com/VFx9KlaKvy
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 13, 2024
These are the first comments Meruelo has made since rumors started to come out of an imminent sale of the ‘Yotes to Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz.
Because of this news, there has not been a concrete confirmation that Meruelo is still 100% bidding on the 95-acre parcel of land in North Phoenix that was the projected site for a new arena.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, however, Meruelo intends to bring back the Coyotes but as an expansion team once an arena is built.
“Meruelo agreed to sell the team after he secured a contractual right to reactivate the franchise within 5 years of the date of the agreement and trigger an expansion draft if an arena is built – this would require him to pay back the $1 billion that he is getting from the sale,” Gambadoro said.
Meruelo agreed to sell the team after he secured a contractual right to reactivate the franchise within 5 years of the date of the agreement and trigger an expansion draft if an arena is built- this would require him to pay back the $1 billion that he is getting from the sale.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) April 13, 2024
As for the team itself going forward, they are set to begin playing at Delta Center in Salt Lake City next season.
Once new details of the sale and relocation of the Coyotes are confirmed, Burn City Sports will keep you up-to-date.
BREAKING: Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Utah, reports say
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
