After a bitter defeat in a referendum in May, the Coyotes decided to take their future into their own hands by submitting an offer to purchase land in Mesa, Arizona.
This is what the team said Wednesday morning through a press release.
“We can confirm that Coyotes Owner, President and Governor Alex Meruelo has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase a parcel of land located in Mesa, Arizona that could accommodate an arena and clubhouse. entertainment for the club,” it read.
“The team…wants to make Arizona the club’s permanent home base. In addition to this property in Mesa, the club will continue to explore other potential sites in the East Valley. »
In May, the Coyotes tried to convince the people of Tempe to vote in favor of a $2.3 billion megaproject to be built on public land. However, the proposal was defeated with more than 56% of the vote and in the process sent the Coyotes back to the drawing board.
However, this new purchase offer targets private land, which makes it possible to bypass a referendum.
For the next two campaigns, the Coyotes will play at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat college arena on the Arizona State campus. The Coyotes also have an option year in 2025-2026 to return to this amphitheater while meeting the deadlines requested by the NHL.
“We would like to thank Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, and Bill Daly, Assistant Commissioner, for their undeniable support for the club’s efforts to find a permanent solution for the arena. We also want to acknowledge their recognition that Arizona is a great market for hockey. »
If the situation is still nebulous regarding the future of the team off the ice, on the ice the Coyotes will begin the 2023-2024 season with several reinforcements. Defenders Matt Dumba, Sean Durzi and Troy Stecher as well as forwards Jason Zucker, Alex Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad and according to their press release “the best prospect in the world”, Logan Cooley will join the team for the next season.
