It was reported by Katie Strang of The Athletic that if the team doesn’t pay money owed including back taxes by December 20th, the City of Glendale will lock the team out. The city has revoked the Arizona Coyotes business license due to unpaid taxes. That is causing the Arizona Coyotes financial issues to be quite immediate. Coyotes insiders Craig Morgan had the breaking news.
The end of the Coyotes’ tenure at Gila River Arena could come much sooner than the end of the 2021-22 season if they don’t pay their bills.
Via @PHNX_Sports & @PHNX_Coyotes https://t.co/E1SwedOHg7
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 9, 2021
Arizona Coyotes Could be Locked Out Due to Unpaid Bills
The Coyotes saga of drama continues and this time it looks like ultimatums are being made. 12 days to figure out where an NHL team can play if indeed they are locked out of the building is almost impossible to comprehend. The team has not released a statement yet and we may know more in the morning. As it stands now, the Glendale City manager Kevin Phelps wants some reassurances that if the bills due aren’t paid will the city be stiffed?
Glendale city manager Kevin Phelps: “I think it is likely that for us to move forward, we’re going to need assurances that they’re not going to just rack up a huge bill and then walk out the door in June, owing the city a lot of money.” https://t.co/RD4TQEImyj
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 9, 2021
What the Future Holds
That is a very good question. This puts a cloud on where the team will play after this season. Will the Tempe project even happen if the the ownership can’t paid their bills? It’s a concern for all Coyotes’ fans. There are fans of this team who have gone through hell so many times. There is still hope that things can be worked out. Tomorrow is another day. For the Coyotes team, will it be day of reckoning? A suggestion for Alex Meruelo might be give us a reason to stay a fan of the team when things like this occur.
*UPDATE: Craig Morgan updated the latest on this today.
As reported earlier today, the team believes it is current on all payments for which it has been invoiced.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 9, 2021
With the 2nd check, per ASM Global, the team is current with game-day expenses, but not on rent. ASM will send a recap letter to the Coyotes, detailing this. It also will put forth a schedule & timing of future payments. The hope is the Coyotes will address the rent requirements.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 9, 2021
Arizona Coyotes Financial Issues Main Photo:
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 14: A wide overview of Gila River Arena during intermission during the NHL hockey game between the San Jose Sharks and the Arizona Coyotes on January 14, 2021 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
