Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is not content with merely owning an NBA team and a WNBA team. With his eyes set on a larger goal, Ishbia has expressed a keen interest in bringing hockey back to Arizona. Following the departure of the Arizona Coyotes, who are set to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, Ishbia sees a void that he is eager to fill.
Reviving the Hockey Scene 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. 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 told Sportico. This indicates not just a business interest but a genuine commitment to revitalizing the local sports landscape.
The Coyotes' move to Salt Lake City marks the end of the team’s Arizona tenure. The franchise's new chapter as the Utah Hockey Club will begin in the 2025-26 season. Despite this, Ishbia's forward-looking statements suggest that the departure is not a final cessation of hockey in the desert. Instead, it opens a new potential chapter for the sport in the region, possibly under new ownership and direction.
Beyond Basketball
Ishbia's involvement in Arizona’s sports scene isn't limited to just the Suns. He also owns the Phoenix Mercury, a WNBA team that recently made headlines when the Footprint Center hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. Symbolizing his commitment to supporting women's sports, a state-of-the-art $100 million women’s practice facility was also constructed behind the Footprint Center. The Footprint Center itself serves as the home for the Phoenix Mercury, highlighting Ishbia’s dedication to providing top-tier facilities for his teams.
Under Ishbia's leadership, there's a clear emphasis on creating first-class venues. "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," he said. This forward-thinking mindset bodes well for any potential future hockey team that might call Arizona home, promising facilities that rival or even exceed current standards.
The Coyotes' Tumultuous Journey
For the Arizona Coyotes, their stint at the Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024 was a period marked by uncertainty and instability. Hosting games in a 5,000-seat venue was far from ideal for an NHL team, underscoring the challenges faced by the franchise during its concluding years in Arizona. Alex Meruelo's decision to sell the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion eventually paved the way for their relocation, but also signified an opportunity for new discussions around hockey in the state.
Future Prospects
Ishbia’s resolve and vision promise not just survival but potentially a thriving rebirth for hockey in Arizona. The shift of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City, while a loss for Arizona, does not mark the end but perhaps a new beginning. With owners like Ishbia, who bring both a passion for sports and a willingness to invest in the community, the future of Arizona's sports landscape seems to remain hopeful and intriguing. Whether or not hockey makes a return under Ishbia's helm, the commitment to excellence and community engagement speaks volumes about his approach to sports ownership and the potential for growth in Arizona.