Salt Lake City — Today, Utah Hockey Club announced its first partnership with the signing of a multi-year agreement with the award-winning Black Desert Resort. 

“Collaborating with Black Desert Resort provides the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Utah as the state continues to attract attention for its vibrant sports scene,” said Chris Barney, chief commercial officer. “This partnership demonstrates Utah’s collective commitment to foster a rich and diverse athletic landscape, while also creating innovative and immersive experiences for individuals engaging with our brands through sport.”

The partnership, which begins with the team’s inaugural season, underscores the diverse and ever-expanding scope of Utah’s professional sports scene. Over the next year, both brands will curate premier sports and entertainment experiences for visitors and locals alike. For the first time in 60 years, a Utah resort will host a professional tour event, when the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournaments take place at Black Desert Resort this fall. Delta Center, which hosts hundreds of events annually, will host two professional sports teams for the first time, presenting more than 82 nights of home games for Utah Hockey Club and the Utah Jazz. 

“Black Desert is excited to expand our relationship with Smith Entertainment Group beyond our current partnership with the Utah Jazz. We share the commitment to elevate our community through professional sports, world-class entertainment and hospitality,” said Patrick Manning, managing partner of Black Desert. “Becoming the first to have stepped up to partner with the NHL team is an honor and we’re looking forward to this inaugural season.”

Throughout the duration of the agreement, both organizations will implement co-branding initiatives through logos, trademarks, and utilization of facilities. In addition, Black Desert Resort will continue to enhance the fan experience within Delta Center through their Black Desert Club.

For more information about Black Desert Resort, visit www.blackdesertresort.com. For more information about Utah’s new NHL franchise, visit www.UtahHockeyClub.com.  

About Utah Hockey Club

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) established Utah’s first-ever NHL franchise in April 2024, with the team set to debut in the 2024-25 season. With this move, SEG introduced the second “Big Four” major professional sports league to Utah for the first time in state history. To be known as Utah Hockey Club for their inaugural season, the club was established with a competitive, dynamic roster and 34 draft picks spanning their first three consecutive seasons (2024-27). The team will compete at Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City, building on the renowned, energetic atmosphere for which Utah’s sports and entertainment scene has become known. For more information on Utah Hockey Club, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.UtahHockeyClub.com. 

About Black Desert Resort 

Developed by Reef Capital Partners, Black Desert Resort is a premier destination offering an array of attractions, including over 3,000 hotel rooms and residences, an extensive trail network through ancient lava flows, a waterpark, a wellness spa, abundant retail and dining options. The resort features a remarkable 19-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, a 36-hole illuminated putting course and a lakeside amphitheater. For more information, please visit blackdesertresort.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Makaelee Main

Utah Hockey Club

[email protected]

Patrick Manning 

Black Desert Resort[email protected]