Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Eyes Hockey Return to Arizona
With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, a significant shift in the local sports landscape is imminent. Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is looking to capitalize on this opportunity by potentially bringing professional hockey back to Arizona.
The Coyotes' relocation marks the end of an era for the team in Arizona. From 2022 to 2024, they played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. With the move to Salt Lake City, the Coyotes will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club and start their inaugural season in 2025-26. The sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion underscores the significant financial transactions that are often the backdrop for such relocations.
Despite the void left by the Coyotes' departure, Ishbia is optimistic about reviving hockey in the Grand Canyon State. He shared his thoughts with Sportico, stating, "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. 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."
Ambitions for a New Arena
Ishbia isn't just stopping at the prospect of bringing hockey back; he also has ambitions for upgraded facilities. The Footprint Center, which recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, is currently the home of the Phoenix Mercury. Ishbia acknowledges its quality but hints at future improvements: "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."
These remarks indicate that Ishbia is forward-thinking, aiming to provide top-tier venues for sports teams in the region. His commitment to enhancing the local sports infrastructure is further evidenced by the recent completion of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center, designated for the Mercury.
The Broader Impact on Arizona's Sports Community
The potential return of hockey to Arizona under Ishbia’s stewardship could rejuvenate the state's sports scene. Arizona is known for its diverse and passionate fanbase that supports a variety of sports. Bringing back a professional hockey team would restore the four-sport dynamic that has defined Arizona’s sports culture.
While the transition period following the Coyotes' departure might be challenging for fans, Ishbia's vision offers a promising outlook. His engagement with the community and proactive approach suggest that Arizona’s wait for the return of hockey might not be long.
As the sports world keeps an eye on these developments, one thing is clear: Mat Ishbia is a pivotal figure in shaping the future of Arizona’s sports landscape. His strategic foresight and willingness to invest in the community stand as testaments to his dedication. Time will tell how his initiatives unfold, but his unwavering support for Arizona sports enthusiasts ensures that exciting days lie ahead.