The owners of the Utah Jazz said Wednesday that they have the immediate ability to bring an NHL team to Utah and requested the initiation of an expansion process.

The Smith Entertainment Group said in a news release that it would use the Jazz's arena as an interim home for an NHL franchise. SEG CEO Ryan Smith said the company is "100% focused on making this happen as soon as possible."

Talks between Smith and the league have been going on since 2022. The NHL said in a statement it appreciates the interest.