Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a keen interest in restoring hockey to Arizona. This potential move comes in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' announcement to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign.
The Utah Hockey Club, under its new moniker, will launch its inaugural season in 2025-26, marking the end of the Coyotes' tenure in Arizona. The Coyotes, who have had a storied history with the state, played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State’s campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. Club owner Alex Meruelo sold the team for a notable $1.2 billion, ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.
Ishbia's ambition to reinvigorate hockey in Arizona is not just a passing thought. "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."
The business mogul's involvement in Arizona sports is already profound. Aside from owning the Phoenix Suns, Ishbia also possesses the Phoenix Mercury, with both teams calling the Footprint Center their home. Recently, this arena played host to the WNBA All-Star Game and has added a $100 million women’s practice facility behind its main structure, further solidifying its importance in the local sports ecosystem.
There's little doubt regarding Ishbia’s commitment to the growth and development of the sporting culture in Arizona. The revitalized Footprint Center stands as a testament to his dedication. "I think our arena is first-class right now. I love our arena," Ishbia remarked, highlighting his contentment with current facilities. However, he also hinted at future aspirations, noting, "But at some point we're going to have to get a new arena."
With the Coyotes' departure, there is a palpable void in the Arizona sports scene, one that Ishbia appears eager to fill. A well-rounded businessman, Ishbia has a track record of making impactful investments, and his interest in hockey could signify another transformative phase for Arizona’s sports landscape.
As the owner of multiple major sports franchises, Ishbia's enthusiasm for expanding and enhancing Arizona's sporting reputation is evident. His potential venture into reintroducing hockey could align with a broader strategy to ensure the state continues to be a vibrant hub for diverse athletic activities.
While the exact timeline and plans for bringing a new hockey team to Arizona remain uncertain, Ishbia’s track record suggests proactive steps will follow his ambitious declarations. If successful, this initiative would reintroduce one of the major sports to a region that clearly values its sporting heritage.
Until any concrete steps are taken, the sporting community in Arizona can take solace in Ishbia’s commitment to its growth and the exciting possibilities his ambitions could bring. The state's enthusiasm for its sports teams remains undiminished, and with influential figures like Ishbia at the helm, the future looks promising.