Coyotes re-engaging with other Arizona sites after ASU arena fallout

Back to the drawing board.

The Arizona Coyotes' search for a new local arena was sent back to square one on Friday, with the announcement that Arizona State University had withdrawn its involvement from a potential deal to build a new 16,000-seat arena at the Tempe campus.

With ASU no longer an option, and with the team looking to move closer to its East Valley fan base, "four or five" other sites for an arena are now being considered, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports.

"Admittedly, we felt (Tempe) was the best site and best path, but it isn't the only path," said Coyotes president and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. "We are re-engaging with other potential sites, and that process began in earnest (Friday) evening."

Those options could include a private development with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, a site near the MLB training facilities in Mesa, as well as a return to downtown Phoenix.

The City of Phoenix has been open to a joint facility to house both the Coyotes and the NBA's Phoenix Suns. The two previously shared Talking Stick Resort Arena, where the Suns remain, until the Coyotes left for Glendale in 2003.

"It's certainly unfortunate that events played out the way they did, but the club has other options and is committed to remaining in the Valley," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said.

In the meantime, the Coyotes will remain at Glendale's Gila River Arena. The arena lease expires at the end of the 2017-18 season, but has an option for renewal.