The sale of the Phoenix Coyotes is a real thing.
According to a press release from the team, "The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that IceArizona AcquisitionCo. LLC has closed on their purchase of the Phoenix Coyotes franchise from the National Hockey League. The sale and ownership transfer has been approved by the NHL's Board of Governors."
See also:
-Phoenix Coyotes Staying in Glendale
This seems to be an account of something that has actually happened -- unlike the false promise that has been brought by several wannabe buyers over the past few years, since the team went into bankruptcy and was purchased by the National Hockey League.
Perhaps the best way to describe the ownership saga would be with the following YouTube clip, if you imagine that Charlie Brown represents Coyotes fans, and Lucy represents people with suits who claim they're buying Coyotes:
After IceArizona and the City of Glendale agreed to the lease on the arena, it was said that the actual purchase of the Coyotes was just a formality.
If you remained skeptical, we wouldn't blame you, but all indications from the team are that papers were actually signed, hands were shaken, and a deal was actually completed.
Here's what NHL commish Gary Bettman has to say:
"The National Hockey League believes in Arizona as an NHL market and that these new owners can provide the Coyotes the opportunity to secure a stable, long-term future in Glendale. We thank Mike Nealy, Don Maloney, Dave Tippett, team captain Shane Doan and all the players and staff for consistently going 'above and beyond' on behalf of the franchise during this long and complex process. We thank the Coyotes' devoted fans for their patient, perseverant support. We are extremely pleased that a positive resolution has been achieved for the fans, the city, the Coyotes and the League."Sounds legit. Anthony LeBlanc, the incoming CEO of the team, said it his statement that the team is "here to stay," which may or may not be a real thing.
The buyers have an out-clause after five years, which would allow them to leave town if they've lost enough money.
At least fans won't have to worry every off-season whether they'll ever see a Coyotes game in Glendale again.
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Follow Matthew Hendley on Twitter at @MatthewHendley.
