Mat Ishbia Sets Sights on Reviving Hockey in Arizona
In an ambitious move, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is expressing a fervent desire to bring professional hockey back to Arizona. This potential revival comes in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' forthcoming relocation to Salt Lake City, a shift slated to occur after the conclusion of their 2023-24 campaign.
With the departure of the Coyotes, the Utah Hockey Club is set to christen its inaugural season under the new name in the 2025-26 season. Ishbia, who has quickly become a prominent figure in Arizona’s sports scene, is deeply committed to the community. "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," Ishbia shared with Sportico.
The relocation of the Coyotes marks the end of an era, one that saw the team playing home games from 2022 to 2024 at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. The sale of the team by Alex Meruelo for a substantial $1.2 billion underscores the financial dynamics at play, and it leaves a significant void in Arizona's sports tapestry. Yet, Ishbia’s vision offers a glimmer of hope for the state's hockey enthusiasts.
The Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury and a monument to Ishbia’s commitment to first-rate sports facilities, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. Adding to this, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the arena, signalling an upward trajectory in sports infrastructure investment under Ishbia’s leadership. Reflecting on the state of these facilities, Ishbia remarked, "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."
His comments underline a broader vision for future developments, hinting at plans that could include a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting a revived hockey team. The passion driving these plans appears intertwined with Ishbia’s broader mission to strengthen Arizona’s identity as a major sports hub.
While the Coyotes venture towards their new beginnings in Salt Lake City, Ishbia’s endeavors might well catalyze the return of hockey to Arizona. His dual ownership of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury has already amplified his influence, and his proactive stance could indeed herald new and exciting possibilities for sports in the region.
As the professional sports landscape in Arizona transitions, fans and stakeholders alike are likely watching Ishbia's next moves with keen interest. His commitment to the community and to enriching the state's sports heritage resonates strongly with many, holding the promise of a future where hockey, once again, finds a home in the desert.