The Arizona Coyotes, a franchise with a history stretching back to its founding as the Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1971, are currently inactive in the National Hockey League (NHL). After relocating to Arizona in 1996, the team played as the Phoenix Coyotes and later the Arizona Coyotes, establishing itself in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Over the years, the franchise faced financial and arena stability challenges. In April 2024, the franchise's hockey assets were transferred to a new franchise in Utah. However, the Coyotes' name and brand remain with owner Alex Meruelo, with the possibility of reactivating the team as an expansion franchise in Arizona if a new NHL-suitable arena is constructed within five years. Fans remain watchful of efforts to return professional hockey to the state.
The Arizona Coyotes' history in the state spanned nearly three decades, with the team playing in Phoenix, Glendale, and Tempe. While the franchise has been inactive since 2024, a provision exists for its reactivation if a new arena is built in Arizona within a five-year timeframe. Fans hoping for the return of NHL hockey should monitor announcements regarding arena development efforts and any initiatives from ownership groups. Community support and infrastructure development will be crucial for a potential comeback. In the meantime, youth and collegiate hockey continue to thrive in Arizona, keeping the passion for the sport alive.