SALT LAKE CITY — The group led by Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith have taken another step toward bringing an NHL team to the Beehive State by submitting a formal request with the league.
In its request, the Smith Entertainment Group wants the NHL to initiate an expansion process to bring a team to Utah, which could be accommodated immediately by using the Delta Center as an interim home arena.
“SEG envisions a near future where the NHL will thrive in Utah, and we are 100% focused on making this happen as soon as possible,” said Ryan Smith. “We are ready to welcome the NHL and are confident that the time and attention being spent by all parties will bring one of the most exciting and dynamic leagues in the world to our community on a permanent basis.”
In response to the bid, the NHL issued a statement saying they have been "impressed" by the Smith's commitment and passion.
"During conversations over the course of the past two years, we have been impressed by Ryan and Ashley Smith’s commitment to their community and their passion and vision for Utah, not only as a hockey market, but as a preeminent sports and entertainment destination," the statement reads in part. "Utah is a promising market, and we look forward to continuing our discussions."
The NHL Board of Governors is responsible for considering the bid and should Utah be granted a team, it would join the Utah Jazz in the Delta Center, "on a temporary basis or begin play in the next several years upon the completion of a new, state-of-the-art hockey arena," leaders with SEG explained.
The location for a potential new arena was not disclosed.
As Utah prepares to potentially host the Winter Olympics in 2034, SEG said it believes Utah will make the perfect home for an NHL team.
“All eyes are on Utah for the recent and rapid evolution of our sports landscape, especially with the Utah Royals back this spring and Salt Lake City’s Olympic bid underway. There is so much momentum happening at the state level around global sports and sports infrastructure,” Ryan Smith said. “While Delta Center is ready to serve as an interim solution for an NHL team, Utah will need a new arena designed for professional and Olympic hockey.”
Fraser Bullock, CEO of the SLC-UT Committee for the Games agreed that bringing a new hockey arena to Utah ahead of the Olympics, "could not come at a better time."
"Bringing professional hockey to Utah will further help cement Utah’s place as a premier destination for winter sports," a statement reads in part. "The Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games is excited to work with SEG on the Olympics and what that will mean for sports and entertainment in Utah long term.”
In 2023, Smith said plans were "in motion" to bring a team to Utah, but talks first began in 2022 between the NHL and Utah.
Five NHL exhibition games have been held at the Delta Center, the home of the Jazz, since 2018. SEG said the location for a potential new arena designed for hockey is yet to be determined.
Utah governor Spencer Cox said the state's history with hockey, strong economy, passionate sports fans and young and active population make it ripe for the addition of another team, while Salt Lake City bids for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
“With the Olympic bid underway, our long-standing reputation as one of the greatest winter sports capitals in the world, and with the proven leadership of Ryan and Ashley Smith and SEG in our community, I am extremely optimistic about the future of Utah,” Cox said in a statement.
Utah is already home to the Grizzlies, the East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
FOX 13 News spoke with Rusty Cannon, the president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, about potential impacts to Utahns' taxes.
“They are a massive tax generator oftentimes when they're done successfully," Cannon said, "And so that's why there's a large conversation about what kind of involvement taxpayers would have in subsidizing it."
He said his group has looked at examples where building a stadium has worked better than others, and they would give their input to key players should the conversation move forward about an NHL team coming to Utah.
