Mat Ishbia's Vision for Hockey in Arizona
In a significant development for Arizona sports, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed a keen interest in resurrecting professional hockey in the state. Following the departure of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, Ishbia is already contemplating ways to revive the sport in a region that he firmly believes should remain a "four-sport town." His comments to Sportico underline his commitment to this endeavor: "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."
The Coyotes' Relocation and Utah's New Team
The Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era for hockey in Arizona. The team, set to be renamed the Utah Hockey Club, will commence their inaugural season in 2025-26. Over the past few years, the Coyotes found temporary residence at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe, playing their home games there from 2022 to 2024. Ownership changes have also played a part in this shift, with Alex Meruelo selling the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion.
Footprint Center: A Hub for Sports and Community
Mat Ishbia's stewardship is already visible in his transformative efforts at the Footprint Center, the home venue for both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. The facility recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, highlighting its status as a premier sports venue. Further cementing its role as a beacon for women's sports, a $100 million practice facility was built behind the arena, enhancing the Mercury's training capabilities. "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," Ishbia stated, signaling future ambitions for infrastructure improvement.
A Potential Return for Hockey
While the departure of the Coyotes is a blow to local fans, Ishbia's proactive stance provides a glimmer of hope. His dual ownership of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury indicates his vested interest in the community and its sporting landscape. Reintroducing hockey under new management and potentially with a new team could reinvigorate local interest and bring back the fervor that once filled Arizona's arenas.
Efforts to retain a four-major-sport presence in the area align with the broader vision for sports growth and community engagement in Arizona. As the Footprint Center continues to host high-profile sports events and enhance its facilities, the groundwork is being laid for a possible resurgence of professional hockey in the state.