Mat Ishbia Envisions Hockey's Return to Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has ambitious plans to bring hockey back to Arizona, a move that could reestablish the state as a vibrant, four-sport town. The Arizona Coyotes, who have faced numerous challenges in recent years, are set to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. With this relocation, the Coyotes will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club and commence their inaugural season in 2025-26.
Mat Ishbia, who recently acquired the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is now turning his attention towards the void left by the departing Coyotes. In an interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his commitment to the local community and his interest in returning hockey to Arizona. "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," he shared.
The uncertainty surrounding the Coyotes' future has been a point of contention for Arizona sports fans. The team played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe between 2022 and 2024. Following this stint, current owner Alex Meruelo decided to sell the team for an eye-popping $1.2 billion, thereby fueling the relocation to Salt Lake City.
The Vision for Arizona
Ishbia's influence extends beyond basketball, as evidenced by his recent endeavors with the Footprint Center. This multipurpose arena recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its capacity to stage high-profile events. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art $100 million practice facility has been constructed behind the Footprint Center to support the Phoenix Mercury, underscoring Ishbia's commitment to enhancing professional sports infrastructure in the area.
Despite acknowledging the impressive nature of the current facilities, Ishbia hinted at the necessity for further development. "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," he noted. This forward-thinking approach could be a stepping stone towards not only solidifying the existing sports grounds but also potentially accommodating a future hockey team.
The Footprint Center, prominently known as the home of the Phoenix Mercury and an active hub for the Phoenix Suns, is symbolic of Ishbia's broader vision. His proactive stance indicates a desire to invest both financially and personally in the community by cultivating a dynamic sports environment that includes hockey.
Impact on the Community
Mat Ishbia’s ventures are not merely about business; they reflect a genuine commitment to the local community and its sports culture. The loss of the Coyotes represents a significant shift for many Arizona hockey fans, but Ishbia's determination offers a glimmer of hope. His vision to reinvigorate the area with four major sports teams could reinstate the sense of pride and unity lost with the Coyotes’ departure.
As the Utah Hockey Club prepares for its debut in the 2025-26 season, Arizona awaits the potential rebirth of its own hockey franchise. Ishbia's efforts, combined with strategic investments in sports facilities, aim to create a holistic and inspiring environment where hockey can thrive once again.
For the people of Arizona, Ishbia’s dedication promises more than just the return of a sport; it heralds the renewal of a community’s spirit and the revival of its sporting legacy. The future might see new ice rinks and roaring crowds, as hockey makes its much-anticipated comeback in the desert, thanks to the visionary pursuits of Mat Ishbia.