PHOENIX - A conservative watchdog group is suing the city of Glendale after being denied records of negotiations between the city and any potential new owner of the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes hockey team.

The Goldwater Institute says Glendale has refused to turn over records that it requested under Arizona Public Records Law. Glendale owns Jobing.com Arena, where the Coyotes play under a long-term lease agreement.

The Goldwater Institute says it is worried that Glendale may offer subsidies to a buyer. Institute lawyer Carrie Ann Sitren said Friday the city has offered no legal reason not to honour the request.

A statement issued by Glendale says the suit is without merit and that releasing documents during a complex negotiation is not in the public interest.