The National Hockey League is considering expansion that could bring professional hockey back to Arizona. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced on September 8 that the league is exploring adding three new franchises to its current roster of 32 teams. Among the markets being evaluated are Phoenix, Atlanta, and either Houston or Austin in Texas.
Daly emphasized that the league remains interested in Phoenix as a viable market, despite the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation to Utah. He attributed previous challenges to arena location rather than lack of fan interest, stating that with proper facilities, Phoenix would be an excellent destination for an NHL team. Currently, at least two separate groups in the Phoenix area are engaged in discussions with the league about potential expansion opportunities.
One of these groups includes the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, headed by Chairman Tom Galvin. Since taking office in January 2025, Galvin has prioritized returning an NHL team to the region and assembled an advisory committee that includes Coyotes legend Shane Doan and his wife Andrea. Galvin acknowledged the league’s difficult experience in Arizona but expressed optimism about reaching mutual understanding regarding expansion requirements.
The Coyotes previously played in Phoenix for nearly three decades before relocating, most recently at Arizona State University’s smaller Mullett Arena. No timeline has been established for a potential Phoenix expansion franchise.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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