The Arizona Coyotes – currently an NHL team in name only – announced late on Friday that the state cancelled a land auction on property targeted for a new arena. Without players or a place to play, can the Coyotes keep their event wagering licence?
There does not currently appear to be a clear answer to that question. The Coyotes are among eight professional sports franchises that are licensed to offer legal digital event wagering in Arizona.
Owner Alex Meruelo in April sold the players and game operations to a Utah-based group. He retains the rights to the name, team IP, records and the AHL (American Hockey League) Roadrunners affiliate franchise. At that time, the NHL classified the Coyotes as an “inactive” team.
That designation does not appear to have changed. But the Coyotes’ plans to acquire new land on which to build a new arena have been stymied.
“Today, after a year of planning and meeting every obligation required under Arizona law, the Arizona State Land Department un..