Mat Ishbia: Reviving Hockey in Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is on a mission to bring the excitement of professional hockey back to Arizona, despite the impending departure of the Arizona Coyotes. As the Coyotes prepare to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia remains steadfast in his vision to restore the sport in a state with a rich sporting tradition.
The Arizona Coyotes, who will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, are all set to commence their inaugural season in Salt Lake City starting the 2025-26 season. This move follows the sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion, marking the end of an era for professional hockey in Arizona. The Coyotes had faced numerous challenges, including playing their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Ishbia is optimistic about the future. In a candid interview with Sportico, he shared his aspirations: "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."
Building a Legacy in Phoenix
Beyond hockey, Ishbia has already made significant contributions to the Phoenix sports landscape. His ownership extends beyond the Suns; he also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. Under his stewardship, Phoenix has seen remarkable developments, particularly with the recent enhancements at the Footprint Center, the home of the Mercury.
One notable achievement is the construction of a state-of-the-art $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center. This investment underscores Ishbia's commitment to supporting and uplifting women's sports. This arena, which recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, is considered a premier facility, reflecting Ishbia's dedication to providing top-notch amenities for athletes and fans alike.
Ishbia's vision for the Footprint Center is clear and ambitious. He remarked, "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." This statement highlights his forward-thinking approach and willingness to continually improve facilities to enhance the overall experience for both players and spectators.
A Vision for the Future
As Ishbia looks to the future, the idea of bringing hockey back to Arizona stands as a testament to his dedication to maintaining a vibrant sports culture in the state. His determination to rectify the loss of the Coyotes and his evident passion for the community suggest that his efforts are far from a mere pipe dream.
In the meantime, the relocation of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City marks a new chapter for the franchise as they transition into the Utah Hockey Club. While the move signifies the end of the Coyotes' era in Arizona, it also sets the stage for potential future developments that could reignite the flame of professional hockey in the Valley of the Sun.
With Mat Ishbia at the helm, the prospects of seeing hockey return to Arizona seem brighter. His unwavering commitment to the community and sports excellence suggests that Arizona's days without a hockey team may be numbered. For fans and sports enthusiasts in the region, Ishbia's passion offers a glimmer of hope for a revived hockey future in the desert.