According to Crag Morgan of Arizona Sports, Andrew Barroway completed his buyout and is now sole owner of the Arizona Coyotes franchise. Back in March, it was reported that Barroway had been given the opportunity to buy the shares of the minority owners, and had until June 6th to submit an offer. He did just that, and is now completely in control of the Coyotes organization.
Just this morning, John Shannon of Sportsnet reported on Twitter that the team was considering a partnership with the Phoenix Suns on a new arena deal, though Morgan’s report that “any talk of a partnership with the Suns is still considered premature” throws some cold water on that idea. Somehow, the team needs to find a new arena after their move to Glendale has been regarded as somewhat of a disaster. Earlier this year NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wrote in a letter to Arizona legislators a clear message:
For the past 15 years, a succession of ownership groups and the League have tried everything imaginable to make the Glendale location financially sustainable. Our combined efforts have all yielded the same result—a consistent economic loss. The simple truth? The Arizona Coyotes must have a new arena location to succeed. The Coyotes cannot and will not remain in Glendale.
Barroway and whoever he installs as the new team President and CEO—Anthony LeBlanc will be finished at the end of the month along with the rest of the minority owners—will have a new arena at the top of their to-do list, with a return to downtown Phoenix the expected result.
Hopefully this helps this organization out.