The Arizona Coyotes’ future in the city of Glendale has been a story several times since the franchise relocated to Arizona in 1996, and it’s once again a topic of discussion during the Stanley Cup Final.
The latest development involves the Glendale City Council exploring ways to end the lease agreement it has with the Coyotes, which was passed by a slim 4-3 vote in July of 2013.
The Glendale City Council will meet Wednesday, June 10 to discuss the situation and maybe have a vote of some kind. It released a statement Wednesday providing some clarification on its objective.
“The City Council has scheduled a discussion and possible vote regarding Glendale’s contract with the Arizona Coyotes,” the statement reads. “Discussions and negotiations regarding the contract have been ongoing for months. Specifically, the City is open to a resolution but it must be one that provides certainty and fairness to both parties, especially the taxpayers. The Council has agreed to stand for transparency and the highest standards of ethics for any future agreement with the Coyotes.”
The NHL released its own statement Wednesday.
“We have been advised by the Coyotes that the City of Glendale’s contentions are without merit and we fully expect the Coyotes to continue to play at the Gila River Arena and for the City to continue to honor its obligations to the Coyotes. After everything that has transpired, it is extremely disappointing that the City of Glendale would do anything that might damage the Club.”
In March, Coyotes ownership reported a loss of more than $16 million for Fiscal Year 1.
If we ever reach the point where the Coyotes need a new home for next season, one option for the league is Quebec City, where construction of a new arena is in progress and expected to be completed by September. Another potential market for relocation — if that route becomes an option — is Seattle.
TSN’s Darren Dreger tweeted Wednesday that “relocation speculation is very premature.”
Thumbnail photo via Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports Images
