Mat Ishbia Eyes Return of Hockey to Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is not only reshaping the future of basketball in Arizona, but he also has plans for hockey. His ambitions come in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' decision to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season. The Coyotes, purchased by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion, will begin their new chapter as the Utah Hockey Club in the 2025-26 season.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," Ishbia told Sportico. "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."
This commitment to community and sports is evident in Ishbia's tenure with the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, both of which he owns. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game and saw the completion of a $100 million women's practice facility built behind it, further solidifying his investment in the region's sports landscape.
However, the Coyotes' departure has left a void in Arizona's vibrant sporting community. From 2022 to 2024, the Coyotes had played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. The team’s migration to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era for Arizona hockey fans who have supported the Coyotes through various challenges.
A Look at Future Developments
Ishbia's vision for the future hinges on more than just individual sports teams. He has acknowledged the need for continual improvements and new projects. "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 remarked, pointing to his broader ambitions for upgrading sports infrastructure in Arizona.
With the loss of the Coyotes, Ishbia's interest in reviving hockey in Arizona does not seem unfounded. His experience in managing top-tier sports franchises and commitment to state-of-the-art facilities positions him as a plausible figure to spearhead the return of professional hockey to the state. Any potential plans would likely involve building or refurbishing an arena capable of hosting NHL games – an endeavor that aligns with his recent investments in sports venues.
Building a Legacy
Bringing back professional hockey to Arizona would undoubtedly cement Ishbia's legacy in the state's sports history. While the departure of the Coyotes is a setback for local fans, Ishbia’s promise to explore ways to restore the sport offers a glimmer of hope. Arizona has repeatedly proven its capacity to support major sports franchises, and if Ishbia's past ventures are any indication, his future plans could potentially restore Arizona's status as a four-sport town.
For now, the region's sports enthusiasts can only wait with bated breath to see how Ishbia's aspirations materialize. Whether through new franchises or revitalization projects, his involvement could mean a hotbed of sporting activities resurging in Arizona.