Mat Ishbia Aims to Revitalize Arizona's Love for Hockey
The sports world is abuzz with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s ambitious plans to revive hockey in Arizona, just as the Arizona Coyotes prepare for their relocation to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 season. Ishbia, a passionate advocate for the local sports scene, is keen on seeing Arizona reclaim its status as a four-sport town.
"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 Coyotes' departure, rooted in a complex mix of financial strains and logistical challenges, marks the end of an era for the team that called Arizona home since 1996. The announcement sent shockwaves through the local sports community, which now looks to Ishbia for hope. His tenure with the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury has shown his commitment to enhancing the sporting experience for fans in the region.
The Footprint Center, a versatile arena that houses both the Suns and the Mercury, recently demonstrated its premier status by hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. The state-of-the-art venue underscores Ishbia's dedication to providing top-notch facilities for his teams. "I think our arena is first-class right now. I love our arena," Ishbia remarked. "But at some point we're going to have to get a new arena."
Ishbia’s vision extends beyond the current facilities. With the construction of a $100 million women’s practice facility behind the Footprint Center, he has emphasized the importance of world-class training amenities. This move aligns with his broader goals of fostering excellence and giving his teams every opportunity to succeed.
While the Coyotes' temporary home at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's Tempe campus has served its purpose, fans are now looking forward to the team's fresh start in Salt Lake City. The franchise, renamed the Utah Hockey Club, will begin its inaugural season under new ownership in 2025-26. Alex Meruelo, who sold the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion, has handed over the reins, opening a new chapter in the team's history.
Amidst these changes, Ishbia’s proactive stance on bringing NHL action back to Arizona is a beacon of hope for hockey aficionados. His involvement in the local community and unwavering commitment to the sports industry makes him a pivotal figure in this potential turnaround. The challenge of restoring Arizona’s hockey pride is formidable, but with Ishbia’s track record, the possibility seems viable.
As the transition unfolds, fans remain hopeful that Ishbia's efforts will bear fruit. A new, permanent hockey fixture in Arizona would continue the legacy of the Coyotes while embracing the future with renewed spirit and determination.