Phoenix Suns' Owner Aims to Revive Hockey in Arizona
Mat Ishbia is not just content with being the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. He's now setting his sights on bringing professional hockey back to Arizona after the departure of the Arizona Coyotes.
In a recent interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his commitment to the community and his interest in re-establishing hockey in the state. "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 stated.
The Arizona Coyotes, currently based in Tempe and playing their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus, will be relocating to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. This move marks the end of an era for hockey in Arizona, but Ishbia sees it as an opportunity for rebirth rather than an ultimate end.
The Coyotes' new identity will be the Utah Hockey Club, and they will begin under this name in the 2025-26 season. This relocation was finalized after Alex Meruelo sold the team for $1.2 billion, a sale that marked the end of a troubled period for the franchise in Arizona.
Investing in Sports Infrastructure
Under Ishbia's leadership, the Footprint Center has already seen significant investments. The arena recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game and now stands as the home of the Phoenix Mercury. Notably, a $100 million women's practice facility was built behind the Footprint Center, showcasing Ishbia’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in the area.
"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," said Ishbia, highlighting his long-term vision for elevating Phoenix's sports facilities.
As Ishbia's focus shifts to the future of sports in Arizona, his ambition to bring back professional hockey could lead to further investments and improvements in local sports venues. The departure of the Coyotes has left a void that he seems eager to fill, signaling his broader vision for the region.
The potential for a new hockey team reaffirms the belief that Phoenix is indeed a four-sport town. Even with the Coyotes' impending move, the passion for hockey remains among the community and sports enthusiasts. Ishbia's hint at a new arena could be instrumental in this endeavor, potentially paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility that could house a future hockey team alongside other sporting events.
Both the Footprint Center and the proposed new arenas represent more than just buildings; they are a testament to the city’s dedication to sports and the community’s desire to support and nurture its athletes. With Ishbia's continued investment and vision, Phoenix's standing as a major player in the American sports landscape looks promising.
As the sports community in Phoenix anticipates the changes ahead, all eyes will be on Mat Ishbia and his efforts to resurrect hockey in Arizona. If successful, it won't just be about bringing a team back; it will be about reigniting the passion for the sport and reaffirming Phoenix's identity as a city that thrives on diversity and sports excellence.