Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights high, targeting the return of professional hockey to Arizona. This news follows the announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, transforming into the Utah Hockey Club and commencing their inaugural season in 2025-26.
Mat Ishbia, who already owns both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is not a stranger to ambitious ventures. The Footprint Center, which both teams call home, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, cementing its status as a top-tier sports venue. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the arena, showcasing Ishbia’s commitment to developing world-class sports facilities.
As the Coyotes prepare to end their tumultuous tenure in Arizona, which included playing home games at the modest 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024, Ishbia is preparing to fill the impending void. The departure of the Coyotes, who were sold by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion, has left Arizona sports fans without a hockey team, an issue Ishbia is keen to rectify.
In an interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his enthusiasm for reintroducing hockey to the Arizona 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."
This statement underscores his recognition of Arizona as a state that thrives on a diverse sports culture, one that shouldn't be deprived of the high-energy, ice-cold thrill of hockey. Ishbia’s dedication to the Arizona sports community is clear, but he also acknowledges the logistical and infrastructural hurdles that lay ahead. However, his track record with the Suns and Mercury suggests that he has the determination and resources needed to explore all avenues.
The Arena Challenge
A critical part of this plan will likely involve addressing the arena situation. The Footprint Center, while lauded for its current state, might not be a long-term solution for a professional hockey team. Ishbia hinted at this when he 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 implies that while the current facilities are top-notch for basketball, there could be considerable alterations or even new constructions required to accommodate a hockey franchise. Such infrastructural changes would be a massive undertaking, but Ishbia's commitment to first-class facilities indicates a willingness to invest heavily in this endeavor.
Looking Forward
Ishbia's desire to bring back professional hockey illustrates his broader vision for sports in Arizona. His actions with the Suns and Mercury—fostering elite competition, improving facilities, and hosting marquee events—highlight his ability to envision and realize large-scale sports projects. With the Coyotes departing for Salt Lake City, Ishbia's initiative could not only restore but potentially elevate the status of hockey in Arizona.
As it stands, the timeline and specifics of how hockey will return to Arizona remain undefined, but Ishbia’s proactive stance and evident interest in the community are encouraging signs for hockey fans. His efforts reflect an understanding that sports teams are more than just businesses—they are pillars of the community that inspire and bring people together.
Only time will reveal the exact path forward, but Mat Ishbia's track record and statements offer a hopeful perspective for the future of hockey in Arizona. Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike will no doubt watch with keen interest as this vision begins to unfold.