Mat Ishbia Eyes Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
In a recent revelation, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has set a tantalizing goal for the Arizona sports community: bringing professional hockey back to the Valley. The fervor for the sport is set against the backdrop of the imminent departure of the Arizona Coyotes, who are bound for a new home in Salt Lake City following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
The Coyotes' relocation marks the end of their tenure in Arizona, with the team slated to transform into the Utah Hockey Club and commence play under its new name in the 2025-26 season. This move comes after several tumultuous years for the Coyotes, including their stint from 2022 to 2024 at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. Following the sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion, the franchise's new journey is set to begin in Utah.
But for Ishbia, who already owns both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, the void left by the Coyotes is an opportunity. "I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that. It's definitely something I'm interested in," Ishbia told Sportico. "It's a four-sport town. I'm disappointed we don't have a hockey team, but I understand what happened, and we're going to try to fix that one day."
The Ishbia Vision
Ishbia's ambitions for sports in Arizona go beyond the hardwood and the ice. Under his stewardship, the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury, has seen significant developments. The facility, which recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, now boasts a $100 million women's practice facility built right behind the main arena. These upgrades underscore Ishbia's commitment to fostering an elite sports atmosphere in Arizona.
The Phoenix Suns, with their notable ownership and state-of-the-art facilities, seem poised to leverage these investments to further enhance the region's sports appeal. "I think our arena is first-class right now. I love our arena. But at some point we're going to have to get a new arena," Ishbia remarked, hinting at future infrastructural advancements.
Community and Legacy
For Ishbia, the drive to bring hockey back to Arizona is as much about community as it is about the sport itself. His involvement in Phoenix's professional sports scene has already had a palpable impact, from the Suns to the Mercury. By exploring the possibility of reintroducing hockey, he aims to restore the city's status as a robust hub for major sports league action.
As discussions around the return of professional hockey to Arizona unfold, Ishbia's vision spotlights the integral role that sports play in the cultural and social fabric of the city. His proactive stance is not just about filling an entertainment void; it’s about revitalizing a sense of pride and identity that transcends the rink.
With the Arizona Coyotes' impending relocation, the stage is set for a new chapter in the state's sporting narrative. Ishbia's determination and the community's passion suggest that professional hockey could one day reclaim its place in the Valley.
In the interim, Arizona sports fans remain in eager anticipation, buoyed by the promise of potential new developments under an owner willing to invest in the city's future. The road to bringing hockey back to Arizona may be fraught with challenges, but with Mat Ishbia at the helm, the dream feels within reach.