Arizona Coyotes agree to new arena naming rights parternship

The Arizona Coyotes have agreed to terms of a nine-year partnership with Gila River Casinos, which includes the naming rights to the Coyotes' arena. The partnership would become the "first federally recognized Tribal naming rights deal" with a sports venue that houses one of the four major U.S. sports.

The Arizona Coyotes have agreed to terms of a nine-year partnership with Gila River Casinos, which includes the naming rights to the Coyotes' arena, the team announced Wednesday.

The partnership needs approval at a Glendale City Council vote, to be held Sept. 9. With approval, Jobing.com Arena will be renamed Gila River Arena. 

The Gila River Casinos are operated by the Gila River Indian Community. According to the Coyotes, the partnership would become the "first federally recognized Tribal naming rights deal" with a sports venue that houses one of the four major U.S. sports. 

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"Pending Glendale City Council approval, we are looking forward to having Gila River’s prestigious and reputable name associated with our great hockey team and our state-of-the-art arena," said Coyotes CEO Anthony LeBlanc.

Jobing.com Arena opened in 2003. It was called Glendale Arena until 2006, when Jobing.com signed a naming rights deal. 

- Molly Geary