PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes’ return to the Valley no longer feels like a question of whether anyone wants NHL hockey in Phoenix. It comes down to whether someone can actually build a place for it. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently acknowledged strong expressions of interest from groups in Arizona as the league continues evaluating potential expansion markets. At least two Phoenix groups have already been in discussions with the NHL about bringing a franchise back to the Valley. That is meaningful progress for a market that lost its team to Utah back in 2024.
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
Gary Bettman and Bill Daly speak about the Coyotes returning:
Bill Daly and Gary Bettman were asked about the interest for expansion in the Phoenix market 👀 pic.twitter.com/IsxxoZoXY3
— PHNX Hockey (@PHNX_Hockey) September 22, 2026
But it also comes with an important reality check. The NHL is not simply looking for an ownership group that can write a massive check. Bettman has emphasized that with the expansion, the league must be comfortable with the viability of any proposed market and arena situation before moving forward.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes fans cheer as Josh Doan (91), Aku Raty (85) Matias Maccelli
(63) Nick Schmaltz (8) Alexander Kerfoot (15) react following the final game as the Arizona Coyotes against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
That is where Arizona keeps running into the same problem. The Coyotes spent their final two seasons playing at Mullett Arena, a roughly 5,000-seat college facility, after the proposed Tempe entertainment district was rejected by voters in 2023. Bettman later said the league wanted to return to Arizona, but a new arena was essential to making that happen.
Mar 28, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Jack McBain (22) celebrates with right wing Josh Doan (91), left wing Matias Maccelli (63) and defenseman Travis Dermott (33) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Nashville Predators at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
For Phoenix fans, that makes the latest development both exciting and familiar. There are interested parties, the NHL is listening, and the market remains under consideration. But until a group presents a legitimate arena site that can survive the league’s scrutiny, the Coyotes’ comeback remains unfinished business. The next breakthrough in Arizona hockey may not be a roster announcement or an expansion announcement; it must simply be a shovel hitting dirt.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
