Mat Ishbia's Vision: Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has set his sights on a new goal: revitalizing hockey in Arizona. With the recent announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia sees a significant opportunity to fill the void left in the state's sports landscape.
The Coyotes' departure marks the end of an era. The franchise, rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, is set to begin its inaugural season under the new name in 2025-26. Despite this shift, Ishbia believes there’s a future for hockey in Arizona and is keen on being an instrumental part of it. "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 Man With a Plan
Mat Ishbia is no stranger to Arizona sports. In addition to owning the NBA's Phoenix Suns, he also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. Both teams call the Footprint Center their home, a venue that has undergone substantial enhancements under Ishbia’s leadership. Recently, the Footprint Center hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its world-class facilities. Moreover, a $100 million women's practice facility has been constructed behind the arena, further cementing its status as a premier sports venue.
The push to bring back hockey comes on the heels of the Coyotes’ challenging stint at Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, where they played their home games from 2022 to 2024 in a 5,000-seat arena. The Coyotes' former owner, Alex Meruelo, sold the team for $1.2 billion, a move that has now paved the way for the relocation to Salt Lake City. Yet, Ishbia remains undeterred, identifying a new arena as a critical component for any future hockey franchise in Arizona. "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," Ishbia noted.
Community and Commitment
Ishbia's commitment to the community is evident. His dedication extends beyond basketball, signaling a broader vision for Arizona's sports future. By working towards re-establishing a hockey presence in the state, he aims to maintain Arizona's status as a vibrant, four-sport town. The challenge will be significant given the recent history and departure of the Coyotes, but Ishbia's proactive stance suggests a long-term commitment to finding solutions.
The process of bringing back a hockey team will undoubtedly involve numerous logistical and financial hurdles, from securing an appropriate arena to gaining league support. Ishbia's enthusiasm and willingness to be part of the community effort, however, offer a beacon of hope for Arizona hockey fans. The Footprint Center’s success under his ownership demonstrates his capability to manage and improve sports venues, further solidifying his potential role in this new venture.
Conclusion
Mat Ishbia's determination to bring hockey back to Arizona reflects his broader vision for the state's sports culture. The loss of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City is a significant blow, but with a proactive and community-focused mindset, Ishbia sees an opportunity to turn the page and write a new chapter for hockey in Arizona. His dual ownership of the Suns and Mercury, coupled with his apparent readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, positions him as a central figure in this unfolding narrative. Arizona may have lost a team, but with Ishbia at the helm, the future of hockey in the state looks promising.