Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights on the puck, aiming to bring hockey back to Arizona. This announcement comes amid the highly-publicized relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 campaign. The team will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club and commence its first season under the new banner in 2025-26.
Mat Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has firmly entrenched himself in the Phoenix sports community. During a recent interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his commitment to the area and his interest in reviving hockey in 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 said.
The Arizona Coyotes' departure marks the end of an era that saw the team playing its home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. The franchise's sale to Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion paved the way for the relocation, leaving a hockey void in the Arizona sports landscape. However, Ishbia's vision offers a glimmer of hope for local fans longing for the return of the sport.
The Vision for the Future
Bringing back hockey to Arizona is not the only ambition on Mat Ishbia's agenda. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, has been seeing significant developments recently. The venue hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, a testament to its quality and capability. In addition, a $100 million women's practice facility has been constructed behind the Footprint Center, further enhancing the sports infrastructure in the area.
When asked about the current state of the arena, Ishbia said, "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 forward-thinking approach signals Ishbia's dedication not only to maintaining high standards but also to seeking improvements where necessary.
Community Commitment
Mat Ishbia's investment in Phoenix goes beyond hockey. His role as the owner of both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury underscores his commitment to elevating the city's sports profile. The construction of the new practice facility and the recent hosting of major sports events at the Footprint Center place Phoenix on the map as a vibrant sports hub.
The community stands to benefit immensely from Ishbia's vision. Not only does he aim to bring in more sports entertainment, but his initiatives also promise to boost the local economy and create a deeper connection between the teams and their fan base. His demonstrated leadership and proactive steps reflect a wider strategy of fostering sports excellence while supporting community needs.
The Road Ahead
The road to bringing back hockey to Arizona is not without its challenges. Finding the right location, securing funding, and generating community support are crucial steps before this ambitious project can come to fruition. However, Ishbia's unwavering commitment and strategic investments highlight his determination to overcome these hurdles.
As Phoenix continues to grow as a sports city, the return of an NHL team would certainly round out its portfolio, reaffirming its status as a true four-sport town. Ishbia’s involvement suggests that this dream is not far-fetched. While the immediate future focuses on supporting the current teams and facilities, the long-term vision holds exciting possibilities for Arizona's sports enthusiasts.
In the meantime, fans of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury can look forward to experiencing top-tier basketball at a state-of-the-art facility. And with ambitious leaders like Mat Ishbia at the helm, the city’s sports future looks brighter than ever.