Gov. Cox 'excited' about potential to bring MLB, NHL teams to Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The rumor mill is spinning once again following an announcement from the Arizona Coyotes who are looking for a new place to call "home" in Arizona.
Numerous reports mention Salt Lake City as a potential option for the team in the future. On April 22, 2022, Ryan Smith tweeted "in motion" when asked about bringing the NHL to Utah.
However, other major cities such at Houston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Quebec City and more have been brought up as potential relocation sites. As Tempe, Arizona, voters rejected the Coyotes’ plans for a new arena, even the state of Connecticut has expressed interest in bringing the Yotes to Hartford.
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On Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was asked about bringing the MLB and/or NHL to the Beehive State.
“I’m incredibly excited, it’s something that many of us, as a self-described sports fan myself, feel very strongly about getting these opportunities here,” Gov. Cox said. “I think it’s good the fabric of our communities, I think it’s good for the economy of our communities and I just think it’s good for the soul.”
Cox went on to express gratitude for the Smiths and Millers, who are pursuing the opportunities.
“Just being in the mix is incredible, I think it speaks to the growth that we’ve had and the success that we’ve had as a state,” said Gov. Cox during his monthly press conference. “We’ll see, it doesn’t mean they’ll happen — it’s possible that neither of them happen, but I would say it’s more likely than not that we get at least one if not both of those over the course of the next few years.”
2News’ Brian Schnee spoke to CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz earlier in the week about the potential for more professional franchises coming to Utah. Nantz, who maintains a home in Summit County, previously worked in the Salt Lake City TV market and worked play-by-play for the Utah Jazz and BYU before heading to CBS Sports.
“I think on both fronts, the city would do really well,” Nantz said on Wednesday. “I’ve been reading about, recently some talk about a major league baseball coming; I’m hoping it comes true. If it comes true, I’d be a season ticket holder. I wouldn’t be able to go many games Brian but I would do everything I can to try and support the effort.”
