Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights on an ambitious project: bringing hockey back to Arizona. In light of the Arizona Coyotes' upcoming relocation to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, Ishbia is determined to rekindle the Valley's love for the sport.
"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."
A Changing Landscape
The departure of the Coyotes marks the end of an era for Arizona hockey fans. After spending their final seasons playing home games at Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, the Coyotes have been sold by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion. The team will be rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, with plans to begin its inaugural season in Salt Lake City in 2025-26.
Despite this upheaval, Ishbia remains undeterred. His passion for maintaining Arizona's status as a "four-sport town" is clear. Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has already shown his commitment to bolstering the sports community. The Footprint Center, which recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, is home to the Phoenix Mercury and stands as a testament to Ishbia's dedication. A state-of-the-art, $100 million women's practice facility has also been built behind the arena, illustrating his investment in top-tier sports infrastructure.
Prospects for a New Arena
While Ishbia acknowledges the current excellence of the Footprint Center, he is also realistic about the future needs of the venue. "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, hinting at potential long-term developments that could support his goal of bringing NHL action back to the region.
As speculation grows around Ishbia’s plans, the sports world will undoubtedly watch with keen interest. Will Arizona see the return of professional hockey sooner rather than later? And what kind of impact will Ishbia's efforts have on the broader sports ecosystem in Phoenix?
The Path Forward
The challenges are significant, but so are the potential rewards. Hockey fans in Arizona remember the highs and lows experienced with the Coyotes, and a revival could reinvigorate the local sports scene. Ishbia's prowess in sports management, combined with his evident passion, positions him well to tackle these challenges head-on.
As the Coyotes transition to their new identity out west, Ishbia's resolve will be crucial in ensuring that the Valley remains a vibrant hub for professional sports. With substantial financial backing and a clear vision, Ishbia appears more than capable of navigating the complex landscape of professional sports management. Whether through building a new arena or leveraging existing facilities, he seems poised to explore every avenue to restore hockey in Arizona.
For now, the sports community waits in anticipation, optimistic that Ishbia's strategic acumen and unwavering commitment will eventually lead to the return of NHL hockey to the desert. And while the timetable for such an endeavor remains uncertain, what is clear is that Phoenix will continue to be a focus of sporting excellence under Mat Ishbia's leadership.