Salt Lake City is poised to welcome its new NHL team, initially named “Utah,” as part of a rebranding and relocation effort spearheaded by the newly appointed owner Ryan Smith. Smith, head of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), confirmed the move following the sale of the franchise, previously known as the Arizona Coyotes. The rebranding, temporarily adopting “Utah” on team jerseys, marks the beginning of a new era in sports for the state.
In an announcement to The Associated Press, Ryan Smith expressed the team’s interim identity: “We’ll start with ‘Utah’ on the jersey. We’re focusing on the essentials first—the spirit and identity will follow.” This approach mirrors past temporary names used in professional sports, ensuring a smooth transition into the Utah sports landscape.
The franchise, under Smith’s leadership, has contracted Doubleday & Cartwright to oversee the rebranding process. This initiative follows the acquisition deal approved by the NHL’s Board of Governors. Notably, former owner Alex Meruelo retains the rights to the Coyotes name, potentially reviving the team contingent upon new arena developments.
Smith emphasized the immediate logistical needs of relocating players and staff to Utah. This move is critical for integrating the team into the community and SEG’s culture, promising a robust introduction to Utah’s vibrant sports scene. The Delta Center, also owned by SEG and home to the NBA’s Utah Jazz, is slated for renovations to increase its capacity to approximately 17,500 seats, aiming to create an exhilarating atmosphere for hockey fans.
Further enhancing the local sports fabric, Smith highlighted the strong attendance records at Delta Center events, including NCAA basketball tournaments and concerts, underscoring Utah’s enthusiastic fan base. His confidence in the community’s support is backed by an impressive initial response, with 11,000 season-ticket deposits secured shortly after the franchise’s sale announcement.
As Salt Lake City anticipates the debut of its new NHL team, the focus remains on building a lasting identity that resonates with fans and embodies Utah’s unique sporting spirit. The forthcoming seasons will reveal the full impact of this significant transition, promising exciting developments for hockey enthusiasts and the broader community.