Utah Jazz ownership asks NHL to begin expansion process for Salt Lake City

In a release shared with NHL media on Wednesday morning, the Smith Entertainment Group – owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, among other properties – has formally requested that the NHL begin an expansion process to bring a club to Salt Lake City.

“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 SEG president Ryan Smith. “We are passionate about sports and entertainment in the state and are committed to providing premium sports and entertainment experiences for the people of Utah and visitors from around the world. 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.”

According to the statement, the group has been involved in discussions to bring a team to Salt Lake dating back to 2022. The plan would be for the club to join the Jazz at the Delta Center in the short term before moving into a new hockey arena, to be completed at a later date.

Utah is no stranger to professional hockey. The Utah Grizzlies currently serve as the ECHL affiliate for the Colorado Avalanche, with the franchise name being used by previous AHL and IHL teams. Before that, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles played in various leagues from 1969-94, which included a three-year stint at the Delta Center before becoming the Detroit Vipers in 1994.

Since 2018, the Delta Center has hosted five NHL games as part of the Los Angeles Kings’ preseason slate.

The 2002 Winter Olympic Games were held in Utah at the Peaks Ice Arena and E Center (now known as Maverik Center). Salt Lake City is one of the cities looking to serve as hosts of the 2030 Winter Olympics, with the host city to be selected on July 23, 2024.

“The NHL appreciates the interest expressed by Smith Entertainment Group to bring NHL hockey to Utah,” a statement from the league said. “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. Utah is a promising market, and we look forward to continuing our discussions.