Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Eyes Bring Back Hockey to Arizona
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is looking to leverage his influence in the sports world to reintroduce hockey in Arizona following the upcoming relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes, who have struggled with stability and venue issues, are set to move to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 NHL season. The newly-named Utah Hockey Club will commence its first season in 2025-26, signaling the end of an era for the Coyotes in Arizona.
Ishbia, speaking to Sportico, expressed his keen interest in steering efforts to bring another hockey team back to 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.
This vision of returning hockey to Arizona illustrates Ishbia’s comprehensive dedication to the region's sports landscape. Besides owning the NBA's Phoenix Suns, he also owns the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. The Footprint Center, where both teams play, remains a beloved venue in downtown Phoenix. The arena, which also recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, stands as a testament to his commitment to delivering first-class sports experiences to the fans. Ishbia proclaimed, "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."
The Coyotes' journey in Arizona has been turbulent, particularly in recent years. From 2022 to 2024, they played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. This arrangement was a temporary solution following their struggles to secure a long-term home, which ultimately led to the sale of the franchise. Alex Meruelo, the team's previous owner, sold the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion, paving the way for their relocation to Utah.
Amid these changes, the Footprint Center continues to be a focal point in Phoenix sports culture. In addition to housing the Mercury and hosting major events like the WNBA All-Star Game, the complex has recently seen significant investment for the betterment of women's sports. Notably, a $100 million women's practice facility was built behind the Footprint Center, solidifying the arena’s role in fostering athletic excellence and community engagement.
With Ishbia at the helm, Phoenix sports fans can hold onto hope for the return of a hockey team to their vibrant city. His track record, underscored by substantial investments and a clear vision for the future, supports an optimistic outlook. The potential reintroduction of hockey would restore Arizona's status as a true four-sport town, uniting fans across various athletic disciplines and enriching the local sports community.
As the Coyotes prepare to embark on their new journey in Salt Lake City, the anticipation of Ishbia’s possible plans keeps the spirit of hockey alive in Arizona. His dedication to the community and relentless pursuit of elevating Phoenix sports culture positions him as a pivotal figure in turning this ambition into reality.