Mat Ishbia's Ambitious Vision for Arizona Hockey
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia isn't just content with his impact on basketball in Arizona—he's setting his sights on reviving the ice hockey scene in the state. His ambition is clear: to bring back the fervor and excitement of professional hockey that Arizonans have missed since the departure of the Arizona Coyotes.
In a bold move, the Coyotes are preparing to relocate to Salt Lake City after the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, rebranding themselves as the Utah Hockey Club. This team is expected to kick off its inaugural season in their new home during the 2025-26 campaign. The relocation marks the end of an era that began when the Coyotes fought for their place in the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024.
While the Valley of the Sun reflects on this transition, Ishbia remains optimistic about the future of 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," Ishbia shared in a conversation 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."
Investing in the Community
Ishbia's commitment to Arizona extends beyond his desires to reestablish a hockey presence. The magnate has already demonstrated substantial investment in local sports infrastructure. The Footprint Center, the arena that both his Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury call home, has recently undergone significant enhancements. Notably, the venue had the honor of hosting the WNBA All-Star Game, highlighting its first-class status in Ishbia's eyes. "I think our arena is first-class right now. I love our arena," he remarked.
In addition, a $100 million women's practice facility has been constructed behind the Footprint Center, underscoring Ishbia's dedication to the advancement of women's sports. This facility not only benefits the Phoenix Mercury but also serves as a testament to Ishbia's broader vision for enhancing sports infrastructure in Arizona.
Moving Forward
The sale of the Coyotes for $1.2 billion by Alex Meruelo marked a significant moment for the franchise, paving the way for new beginnings in Salt Lake City. However, Ishbia's aspirations aim to ensure that professional hockey will not be gone from Arizona for long. His proactive stance and willingness to engage in community efforts could very well spearhead another chapter for hockey fans in the state.
While acknowledging the current quality of the Footprint Center, Ishbia hinted at potential future developments. "But at some point we're going to have to get a new arena," he noted. This forward-thinking approach indicates that Ishbia is not only focused on immediate improvements but is also contemplating long-term strategies for sustained growth and success.
The departure of the Coyotes is a bittersweet moment for Arizona's sports landscape. However, with Mat Ishbia's proven commitment and ambitious plans, there remains a hopeful outlook that the state will once again celebrate the thrill of professional hockey. Until then, fans can look forward to the possibility of a revived hockey culture, driven by a passionate and dedicated advocate for Arizona sports.