Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has an ambitious vision that extends beyond basketball. With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia is determined to bring hockey 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," Ishbia told Sportico.
The Coyotes' departure marks a significant shift in Arizona's sports landscape. From 2022 to 2024, the team played its home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. Despite the efforts to keep the franchise in Arizona, owner Alex Meruelo ultimately sold the Coyotes for a whopping $1.2 billion. This move set the stage for the team's transition to the Utah Hockey Club, which will embark on its inaugural season under the new name in 2025-26.
Building a Vision
As a pivotal figure in Arizona's professional sports scene, Mat Ishbia already owns the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. Under his watch, the Footprint Center has become a bustling hub of activity. The arena recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game and boasts a new $100 million women's practice facility built behind it. The Footprint Center is a central venue for the Mercury, reinforcing Ishbia's commitment to elevating women's sports in the region.
Discussing the current state of the Suns' home arena, Ishbia said, "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." It is evident that Ishbia's long-term plans for Arizona sports include modernizing and possibly expanding the existing infrastructure.
The Challenge Ahead
Re-establishing a professional hockey team in Arizona poses several challenges, not the least of which is financial. Ishbia's strategy will likely involve bringing together local businesses, community leaders, and sports enthusiasts to generate the necessary support and funding. His track record with the Suns and Mercury, combined with his evident passion for community involvement, provides a robust foundation for this new endeavor.
While the Coyotes' departure is a loss for Arizona, it opens doors for new opportunities. Ishbia’s proactive approach could eventually see the state regain its status as a four-sport town. As he stated, he's disappointed by the current situation but remains optimistic about future possibilities.
Community Impact
Bringing hockey back to Arizona would not just be a win for sports fans; it would also have significant cultural and economic impacts. A new team could stimulate local economies, create jobs, and provide additional entertainment options, contributing to the community’s overall vitality. Ishbia's role as a local sports magnate places him in a unique position to rally the necessary resources and support for such a project.
Moreover, his efforts to enhance women's sports infrastructure — evident from the substantial investment in the Mercury's practice facility — showcase his broader commitment to fostering sports at all levels in Arizona. This multidimensional approach could very well benefit any future hockey ventures, as it indicates a comprehensive understanding of the sports ecosystem.
Looking Forward
As the 2023-24 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Coyotes' final games in Arizona. The transition to the Utah Hockey Club is set to redefine the team's future, while Ishbia's determination sparks hope for hockey's return to the state. With his dynamic leadership and a clear vision, Mat Ishbia has positioned himself as a key figure in potentially restoring Arizona's full array of professional sports.