The owners of the Utah Jazz want an NHL club.
The owners of Lauri Markkanen’s Utah Jazz want the NHL. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Smith Entertainmet Group (SEG), the owner of the basketball team Utah Jazz, has asked the NHL to start the expansion team process, several North American media reported.
SEG wants to establish an NHL team in the state of Utah, and it says in its press release that the new NHL club could start operations as early as next season in Salt Lake City. SEG also said the new club could play at the Jazz’s home arena, the Delta Center, which has hosted five practice games over the years.
The NHL says it has already discussed with Utah management Ryan and Ashley Smith’s and with SEG, which acts as Jazz’s parent company.
– We are convinced by Ryan and Ashley Smith’s dedication to their community and their passion and vision for Utah. Not only as a puck market, but as a significant sports and entertainment destination. Utah is a promising market area, the NHL said According to The Athletic.
Salt Lake City is nominated to be the host city for the 2034 Winter Olympics. The state of Utah already has one hockey team, as the ECHL club Utah Grizzlies collaborates with the Colorado Avalanche.