The NHL’s aspirations of bringing professional hockey back to the Phoenix area took a significant hit on Monday night.
Per multiple reports, including The Associated Press , the son of Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo informed the team’s staff that he no longer desires to continue his NHL ownership. This comes four days after his bid to purchase land for a potential new Coyotes arena took a hit when the Arizona State Land Department canceled an auction for a 110-acre lot in north Phoenix that had been earmarked for a new arena and entertainment district.
Meruelo would have reportedly needed a special use permit to build the arena, and the ASLD wanted him to obtain the permit prior to the auction.
The Coyotes had been in limbo regarding their arena situation for a few years. The team has played at Arizona State’s Mullett Arena since 2022.
