Utah's Pursuit of NHL Franchise Continues to Gain Momentum Utah's bid to bring an NHL team to the state is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, with the 2026-27 season potentially marking a significant milestone in the process. After years of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the state appears to be making progress in securing a franchise. The Utah Sports Commission has been actively working to bring a team to the state, and rumors suggest that a deal could be finalized in the coming months. With Salt Lake City's Vivint Arena already serving as a hub for various sports events, the addition of an NHL team would further solidify Utah's reputation as a premier sports destination.