There was an article in Imthink Forbes a few years back about sports franchises and the effect of expansion or relocation. The conclusion was that first in wins. They looked at NHL teams that moved to Markets with existing NBA franchises and they generally fared more poorly, Atlanta Az Fla (initially) whereas CBJ VGK Nash all were more successful building affinity right off the bat. Dallas and Colorado were more successful but they pointed out that attendance at stars avs games declined when the Mavs Nuggets were good. Was in SLC in March. It is not a sports town as we imagine sports towns like NY, CHi Bos La Buf are towns where pro sports are integral in the community. Most I talked were aware that they might get a team and “would go to a game to check it out.”
I have a friend who coached their MSL team. He said they had a difficult time getting players to come there. The culture and lack of anything to do that isn’t outdoor activity related made it difficult to attract and keep players. I will watch with curiosity to see how this plays out. FTR I usually visit at least once a year to ski. More in good snow years. Couldn’t live there though no matter how good the snow is.