Smith Entertainment Group, helmed by Ryan Smith, the proprietor of the esteemed Utah Jazz, has taken a momentous stride in their pursuit to bring an NHL franchise to Utah. They have formally submitted a request to the National Hockey League to commence an expansion process, with the intention of establishing an NHL team in the state’s capital. This proposal also includes the proposition to utilize the Delta Center as a temporary home arena for the prospective NHL franchise, reflecting the group’s immediate readiness to embrace an NHL team in Utah.
In an official statement, Ryan Smith conveyed the group’s steadfast dedication and enthusiasm for sports and entertainment in the state, with a strong emphasis on providing exceptional experiences for Utah’s residents and visitors. This recent development finally puts to rest the swirling speculations about the expansion of Utah’s professional sports portfolio with an NHL team, a prospect that has been under discussion since 2019. With the proposal now in the hands of the NHL Board of Governors, ongoing discussions between Smith’s group and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are further amplifying the anticipation.
Smith’s optimism is rooted in the recent accomplishments of the NHL’s expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. The Vegas Golden Knights, founded in 2017, clinched their first Stanley Cup last year, while the Seattle Kraken have also made impressive strides in just their second season on the ice. Both teams have swiftly ascended to become billion-dollar franchises, portraying a promising outlook for Utah’s prospects.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also conveyed his fervent support for the efforts to bring an NHL franchise to the state, highlighting the rich hockey history, robust economy, and the enthusiastic sports fan base of Utah. Furthermore, SEG clarified that while the Delta Center could serve as an interim venue, they are aiming for the construction of a new, hockey-specific arena in the long term.
The potential addition of a new NHL team to Utah’s sports landscape arrives at an opportune time, particularly with the imminent return of the Winter Games to Salt Lake City. This development could prompt the establishment of a brand-new, state-of-the-art hockey venue, which would significantly bolster the city’s capability to host a world-class Olympic event, including the highly anticipated gold medal hockey games.
Amidst the buzz surrounding the proposed NHL expansion in Utah, the notion of acquiring the struggling Arizona Coyotes has also been brought forth. While the Coyotes have encountered challenges in securing a new arena in Arizona, recent reports of potential land acquisitions indicate that they are actively exploring their options.
As the saga of bringing an NHL team to Utah unfolds, all eyes are on the progression of this ambitious initiative, which has the potential to transform Utah’s sports and entertainment landscape for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting journey unfolds.