Bettman Insists Coyotes To Remain In Phoenix

March 30, 2009 6:48 p.m. EST

Glendale, AZ (AHN) - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently discredited rumors of any relocation involving the cash-strapped Phoenix Coyotes, saying the 13-year-old franchise isn't going anywhere.

Bettman did admit that the team is seeking new investors to save its suffering finances.

The Coyotes are expected to lose $30 million this year, bringing the total losses to more than $200 million since 2001.

Still, the situation doesn't call for the Coyotes to move out of Phoenix, Bettman insisted. A new ownership to replace Jerry Moyes and Wayne Gretzky, though, won't be too far-fetched given the financial struggles.

Adding to the team's woes are its lackluster fan turnout, with just two sellouts in 37 games at Jobing.com Arena.

Bettman said the league is keen on making the Coyotes solvent and loaded with more capital to counter its financial issues.

He declined to name any potential investors for the team, which has never gone past the first round of the playoffs since debuting in the 1996-97 season.