Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Eyes Return of Hockey to Arizona
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights on an ambitious new goal: bringing hockey back to Arizona. This comes on the heels of the recent announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. The Utah Hockey Club, as they will be rebranded, is slated to begin its inaugural season in the 2025-26 season.
In a candid interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his disappointment over the Coyotes' departure but emphasized his commitment to the community. "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," Ishbia stated.
Indeed, Ishbia's deep roots in Phoenix are evident not just in his ownership of the Suns and the Mercury, but also in his investments in local sports infrastructure. The Footprint Center, which is the home of the Phoenix Mercury, recently played host to the WNBA All-Star Game. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility has been constructed behind the arena, underscoring Ishbia's commitment to bolstering Phoenix's sports scene.
The Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era for the team, which has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including playing their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. The small venue was a temporary measure as the franchise grappled with more long-term issues, culminating in Alex Meruelo's sale of the team for $1.2 billion.
The Challenges Ahead
While Ishbia's vision to bring hockey back to Arizona is clear, the path is laden with challenges. Building or renovating a suitable arena is a significant endeavor. Reflecting on the current state of the Footprint Center, Ishbia noted, "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." This statement highlights the eventual necessity for updated or entirely new facilities to support a professional hockey team.
The relocation of the Coyotes leaves a void in the Phoenix sports landscape, one that Ishbia is evidently keen to fill. The ambition is not just about adding another team; it's about reinstating Phoenix as a vibrant, four-sport city. This move would revive local enthusiasm and maintain the area's reputation as a major hub for professional sports.
The ripple effects of bringing back hockey to Arizona would extend beyond sports, potentially stimulating local businesses and fostering a stronger sense of community. Ishbia's demonstrated dedication to Phoenix through his various ventures suggests he may be the right person to navigate this complex situation.
Long-term Vision
Ishbia's track record with the Suns and Mercury, coupled with his proactive approach to sports infrastructure, articulates a clear long-term vision for the Phoenix sports community. The Footprint Center and the newly built women's practice facility are testaments to his strategic planning and investment in local sports.
As the Utah Hockey Club prepares for its inaugural season, the anticipation in Salt Lake City is palpable. The transition of the Coyotes marks a new chapter for the franchise, bringing NHL action to a fresh market. Still, the longing for hockey remains strong among Arizona fans, and Ishbia’s determination could well lead to the sport’s resurgence in the Valley sooner rather than later.
To conclude, the potential return of hockey to Arizona under Mat Ishbia’s stewardship holds significant promise. Phoenix is undeniably a city with a deep-rooted passion for sports, and reclaiming its status as a four-sport town would be a remarkable achievement. Ishbia's commitment to the community and his strategic vision shine through as he navigates this ambitious endeavor, promising an exciting future for sports enthusiasts in the Valley.