Gary Bettman reveals third part interested in purchasing Phoenix Coyotes franchise -NHL Update
It is clear that the Phoenix Coyotes franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) is on the verge of being sold, but finding that perfect group to purchase the team has been a struggle for the league in recent months as the negotiation process continues.
NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, revealed on Thursday, January 26, 2012, that the league has found a third party that has expressed interest in putting up a bid for the Phoenix Coyotes and not only that but keeping it right where it is at the moment, in Glendale, Arizona.
"There are probably three different groups that are taking a serious look at buying the Coyotes to keep them where they're located", Bettman said in a broadcast that was also showed on the NHL Network.
The problem facing Phoenix Coyotes was that fans around the city were not against the team being sold, but of it being potentially sold off to a part that would want to relocate it to another city, like what happened to the Atlanta Thrashers that turned into the Winnipeg Jets.
Bettman is hopeful of keeping Coyotes right in their place, but looking at their current financial crisis, he also added that the league would not have any other option when this season comes to a close.
"We're going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don't sell the club, I'm not sure that this won't be the last season here", Bettman said.
So far, there are three investment groups that have expressed serious interest in purchasing the franchise and keeping it in Glendale, which include one party having former San Jose Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison, on the fron and the other run by well known Chicago sports tycoon, Jerry Reinsdorf.
Nothing has been finalised as of yet according to Bettman, but some final results are expected when the issue comes under debate during the NHL’s Board of Governors meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, January 28, 2012, a day before the All-Star Game is to take place.
Keeping Coyotes in Phoenix is the ultimate goal of not only the fans but of the league as well, but will they be able to is the question that remains to be answered.
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