I am unsure about the predicament in the Phoenix region, but two out of the four prominent professional sports teams in the city are facing significant challenges that could potentially result in their relocation if a solution is not found soon.
The first team facing uncertainty is the Arizona Coyotes, who have been on the verge of leaving the desert for nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Ken Kendrick, the managing partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, acknowledged the possibility of seeking a new home for his team as well.
The Diamondbacks are seeking to make substantial renovations to Chase Field, with an estimated price tag of $400 to $500 million. The team is hoping for some financial assistance from the public, but they are encountering difficulties in obtaining approval, a scenario that has played out numerous times in the past.
According to CBS Sports, Kendrick stated, “Over time, it is likely that our sport will expand to a few more cities. Various cities have expressed their interest to MLB, specifically their desire to have a team. While they would be content with a new franchise, they would also be pleased to acquire an existing successful franchise.”
Kendrick further added, “We are not devoting our time and energy to this matter. There is a possibility that we may run out of time in Phoenix, although we hope that will not be the case. We are diligently working on it, conducting frequent meetings, and intensifying our efforts to engage in dialogue in every possible way.”
The Arizona Coyotes have found themselves without a proper arena and have been compelled to utilize Arizona State’s Mullett Arena, which has a seating capacity of 5,000. This predicament arose after the team was left without a suitable venue for the 2022-23 season. Additionally, their attempts to construct a new arena have been unsuccessful thus far.
Contrarily, the Diamondbacks still have a place to call home and are highly likely to remain in the area. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that they are the second team in the region to encounter challenges in securing public funding. The Coyotes faced a similar situation last year when a proposal for a new arena in Tempe was rejected by voters.
According to the Source outkick.com