Mat Ishbia Eyes Hockey Renaissance in Arizona
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has turned his gaze toward an ambitious new project: reigniting the passion for professional hockey in Arizona. With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, Ishbia is openly expressing his dedication to filling the void left behind.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," Ishbia stated in a recent conversation with 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 relocation of the Coyotes marks the end of an era for Arizona's hockey fans. Starting from the 2025-26 season, the newly named Utah Hockey Club will inaugurate its presence in Salt Lake City. This move comes after years of uncertainty surrounding the Coyotes’ home games, which were held at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. The team was sold by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion, leading to the significant change in geography.
Passion for Community and Sports
Mat Ishbia's commitment to the Phoenix sports community is already well-documented. In addition to owning the Suns, he also holds the reins of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. The Footprint Center, a major venue in downtown Phoenix, not only serves as the home court for the Mercury but also recently played host to the WNBA All-Star Game. Furthermore, a $100 million women’s practice facility constructed behind the Footprint Center underlines Ishbia's dedication to fostering sports culture in Phoenix.
Despite his devotion to the current arena, Ishbia acknowledges future infrastructural needs. "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 observed, hinting at potential long-term developments that could support his vision for Phoenix sports, possibly including a revived hockey team.
A Vision for the Future
As Ishbia looks to the future, the challenges and opportunities are plentiful. The departure of the Coyotes leaves a noticeable gap in the city's sports ecosystem, but it also presents an opportunity for new ventures. Ishbia's remarks signal not just hope but an active interest in exploring ways to rejuvenate hockey within the community.
The passion for hockey in Arizona might seem overshadowed by other major sports, but its dedicated fan base, coupled with the right strategic moves, could bring the sport back to life in the state. Ishbia's experience in managing successful sports franchises places him in a pivotal position to spearhead this movement.
Conclusion
The departure of the Coyotes indeed spells a temporary end to professional hockey in Arizona, a state whose sports landscape has been progressively vibrant under leaders like Mat Ishbia. Yet, his evident enthusiasm and strategic foresight provide a glimmer of hope. As the Suns and Mercury flourish under his leadership, the potential reintroduction of a hockey team could redefine the region's sports culture.