After Getting Bumped By Suns, America West Books Coyotes

America West Airlines (AWA), a Coyotes sponsor since '96-97, has signed a new three-year deal to become the official and exclusive airline partner of the Coyotes and the team's new Glendale arena, according to Craig Harris of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, who notes terms were not disclosed. AWA signed with the Coyotes "after getting jilted by" the Suns, who "terminated their decade-old sponsorship" with AWA in June to sign with Southwest Airlines. But an AWA spokesperson said that the Suns' decision "had no bearing on the sponsorship with the Coyotes, who will leave America West Arena in December" for their new 17,500-seat facility. AWA will keep its name on the Suns' home in downtown Phoenix through 2019 as part of an existing $26M naming rights deal (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 8/26).