PHOENIX – The biggest development in the NHL’s latest expansion conversation surrounding the Arizona Coyotes isn’t simply that Phoenix remains on the league’s radar; it’s that there is apparently another group trying to bring hockey back. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that “at least two groups” in Phoenix have had discussions with the league about an expansion franchise. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski also confirmed the existence of the second Phoenix group, which he reported is pursuing more of a long-term plan and remains in the preliminary stages.
Apr 24, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates with Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers (55) center Derick Brassard (16) his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Greg confirms with Bill Daly the existence of a second Phoenix group that I reported a while back.
My understanding is that second group is more of a long-term plan and as such, I would even characterize those talks as preliminary and noncommittal. https://t.co/3MkO1333RT— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) September 10, 2026
Arizona fans already knew about the group involving former Coyotes star Shane Doan’s wife, and Thomas Galvin has been connected to efforts to bring an NHL team back to the Valley. The identity of the second group remains unknown, and that mystery may actually be the most intriguing part of this development.
Feb 25, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller (9) warms up before a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix doesn’t need another ownership group simply for the sake of having one. It needs a group capable of solving the problem that ultimately doomed the Coyotes: finding a viable, long-term arena solution. Daly made that clear, saying the NHL’s concern with Phoenix has been the location of the building, not the market itself. Multiple groups change the equation.
Jan 20, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram (39) and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Kesselring (5) celebrate after defeating the Nashville Predators during at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Competition creates options. If one proposal stalls, another could potentially move forward. More importantly, it reinforces the idea that investors still see enough value in the Phoenix market to pursue an NHL franchise despite the region’s complicated hockey history. Expansion still requires approval from the NHL’s Board of Governors, and the league has emphasized that nothing is guaranteed, but optimism in Arizona hockey no longer has to be built around one potential savior. For Coyotes fans who have spent years wondering whether the NHL would ever return to the desert, that may be the most encouraging development yet.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Coyotes for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
