A group led by a former Arizona Coyotes executive is eyeing land and law changes in Mesa that could potentially bring a professional soccer stadium to the Phoenix area. Both the organization and the NHL team denied any connection to the Coyotes' efforts to build a permanent home arena to Sports Business Journal.
Former Coyotes CEO Nick Sakiewicz testified before the Arizona Senate Government Committee in February on a bill that would make it easier to create theme park districts that would change how the state approves theme parks and sports entertainment facilities. The bill was introduced by State Sen. Jake Hoffman.
Special taxing districts can levy a tax of up to 9% on sales within their area to cover construction debt. Currently, these theme park districts require county and city approval.
According to the SBJ, the proposed measure would not require city approval and would only require the OK from the county to issue a special taxing district. To pass, the bill must be approved by the House, Senate and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.
Sakiewicz is currently the CEO of USL Hartfort United and co-chair of a consortium exploring unincorporated land near Mesa for a professional soccer team. According to SBJ, the proposed site is a gravel pit currently owned by Johnson Stewart Materials.The company is listed as the land owner Located on Alma School Road, south of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway, near Mesa Riverview Shopping Center.
Sakiwicz told SBJ that the group is considering options outside of professional football for potential development, but is also exploring that possibility.
Sakiewicz told SBJ received testimony that Pinebrook Group Managing Partner Malachy Burke and J.B. Goff are planning to have discussions. to On the possibility of MLS and NWSL bring upExpanding franchise to property.
“It's perfect timing for one or both of those leagues.” to Land here.'' Sakiewicz toThank you for your support of the committee.
MLS did not respond to Request comment on possible expansion to of phoenix area. An NWSL spokesperson confirmed the league is working with Inner Circle Sports. to Sell the 16th expansion franchise to join the league alongside the Bosston is scheduled for 2026, phoenix It's under consideration.
Sakiewicz added: phoenix Rising, USL Championship team playing in temporary facility; did it Also a potential tenant or partner, if the venue did it It also hosts international matches.Rising did not respond to Request for comments.
A Phoenix lobbyist told SBJ that the city is “neutral” on the proposed bill and that there are still amendments to be considered.
The voting date has not yet been determined.
How will this bill affect the Arizona Coyotes' goal of building a new arena in Phoenix?
Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez told SBJ that the NHL franchise has “nothing to do with this bill and no interest in becoming involved.”
The Coyotes are currently scouting land in northeast Phoenix near Pima Freeway Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road, with ambitions to build a new arena there.
The research team identified parcels of land that needed to be put up for sale at least 10 weeks before the auction took place. If that happens, the final sale will be in mid-June at the earliest.
Even if the Coyotes win the auction, the details of how the team will finance construction would need to be fully disclosed, but the franchise says it will do so with its own funds — the failed Tempe Arena area This is the same as saying that it will be self-financed, as in the case of . Pass a public vote.
There appear to be potential hurdles to trying to build one in Phoenix, but a bill being pushed by Sakiewicz's group could help. Again, that's if you pass.
From SBJ:
This is important. phoenixLease of City-owned Footprint Center to Sands prohibits the city from providing any financial aid. to Competitive facility.Sands declined. to Comment on whether you believe the city is involved in establishing the theme park district coyote This would be a violation of the lease agreement.Terminology aside, multiple sources suggest phoenix may be reluctant to approve a mechanism to help of coyote Fund a potential red light district to pull your business out of the slumptomyself arena.
Gutierrez confirmed that the team will “explore” potential theme park districts to help fund a potential arena for the Coyotes.
Under current law, such districts require city and county approval to add sales tax only to the extent of transactions on land in that district.
The Coyotes currently play in the 5,000-seat Mallett Arena, owned by Arizona State University, and have agreed to play there again next season. There is also an option to extend to 2025-26.
