Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), owner of the Utah Jazz, has requested the NHL initiate an expansion process to bring a team to Utah.
SEG is also the parent company of Delta Center, the MLS’ Real Salt Lake, the NWSL’s Utah Royals and several other Utah-based sports and entertainment ventures. The company said an expansion hockey team could use Delta Center, the home of the Jazz, as its interim home arena.
Smith Entertainment Group — owners of the Utah Jazz — ask NHL to “initiate an expansion process” to bring a team to the state. pic.twitter.com/2xq5MAr4p5
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 24, 2024
“The NHL appreciates the interest expressed by Smith Entertainment Group to bring NHL hockey to Utah,” the NHL responded in a statement, saying it has talked with SEG and Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the Jazz, for two years about the idea.
“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. Utah is a promising market, and we look forward to continuing our discussions.”
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
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