Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), owners of Utah Jazz, submitted a formal proposal to bring an NHL team to Utah. SEG CEO Ryan Smith conveyed that the company is “100% focused on making this happen as soon as possible.”
SEG plans to utilize the Jazz’s arena as a temporary home for the prospective NHL franchise. Since 2022, SEG CEO Ryan Smith has actively participated in discussions with the NHL. The league has recognized the Smiths’ commitment to Utah and acknowledges its potential as a sports and entertainment hub.
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The announcement comes amid uncertainty about the future of the Arizona Coyotes and their current tenure at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena. The Coyotes, focused on remaining in Arizona, declined to comment on the Salt Lake City release. They have emphasized their commitment to the state despite a failed arena vote in Tempe last year.
Smith has expressed readiness to either inherit a relocated team or establish a new expansion team.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s support makes the whole NHL Team idea more solid. In a statement Cox said, “”With the Olympic bid underway, our long-standing reputation as one of the greatest winter sports capitals in the world, and with the proven leadership of Ryan and Ashley Smith and SEG in our community, I am extremely optimistic about the future of Utah.”
Salt Lake City, having hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, is positioned as a compelling sports destination. SEG highlighted the readiness of the Delta Center as an interim solution and emphasized the need for a new arena tailored for professional and Olympic hockey.
The NHL, currently with 32 teams, remains open to discussions with SEG, but Commissioner Gary Bettman have noted that expansion is not a top priority for the league at this time.
