Mat Ishbia Eyes Hockey Rebirth in Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is looking to revitalize the hockey scene in Arizona, following the upcoming relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City. As the Coyotes prepare to skate off to their new home after the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia’s focus remains steadfast on ensuring that Arizona retains its status as a four-sport town.
“I’m definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I’ll look at that,” Ishbia shared with 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.”
The Coyotes’ relocation means that the team will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, with plans to begin their inaugural season under the new name in the 2025-26 season. This move comes as former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo decided to sell the team for a staggering $1.2 billion, prompting the transition to a different market and leaving a gap in Arizona’s professional sports lineup.
During their last seasons in Arizona, the Coyotes played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe, a temporary solution while the team explored greener pastures.
A Vision for the Future
Mat Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, has been a proactive figure in Arizona sports. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, is a testament to his commitment. Recently, the arena hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, underscoring its status as a top-tier sports venue. However, Ishbia recognizes that further developments are necessary.
“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 admitted, hinting at future plans to modernize or potentially build a new facility that could accommodate multiple sports, potentially including a resurrected hockey team.
Moreover, the construction of a $100 million women’s practice facility behind the Footprint Center further underscores Ishbia’s dedication to enhancing sports infrastructure in Phoenix. These efforts are part of a broader vision to create a vibrant sports culture in the region, elevating the fan experience and attracting top talent.
The Road Ahead
While the departure of the Coyotes is a setback, Ishbia’s enthusiasm for bringing hockey back to Arizona is palpable. His business acumen and passion for sports make him a key figure in any efforts to establish a new hockey franchise in the state. As the landscape of professional sports continues to evolve, Ishbia's proactive approach could pave the way for new opportunities and partnerships in bringing high-octane hockey action back to Arizona.
As fans in Arizona bid farewell to the Coyotes, the promise of a new chapter for hockey in the state keeps the spirit alive. Ishbia's commitment to the community and his forward-thinking vision suggest that the return of professional hockey to Arizona is not a question of "if," but "when." Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as this story unfolds, hopeful for the revival of the sport they hold dear.