Mat Ishbia's Ambitions to Bring Hockey Back to Arizona
By: [Journalist's Name]
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights on revitalizing hockey in Arizona. His determination aligns with the sentiments of many sports enthusiasts in the state, particularly as the Arizona Coyotes prepare to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. This move marks the end of an era for the Coyotes in Arizona, but not necessarily for hockey.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," Ishbia shared 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 Coyotes' Departure and Future Plans
The Coyotes' relocation follows a tumultuous period during which they played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. This temporary arrangement underscored the challenges the team faced in securing a long-term home. With the franchise set to rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club and begin its inaugural season under the new name in 2025-26, the future of professional hockey in Arizona remains uncertain.
In the wake of the Coyotes' departure, Alex Meruelo's sale of the team for $1.2 billion marks a significant shift. Meanwhile, Ishbia's intentions to revive hockey in the region bring a glimmer of hope to fans who may soon see the sport return to Arizona.
Revitalizing the Sports Landscape in Phoenix
Ishbia's commitment to sports in Arizona extends beyond hockey. Under his ownership, the Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. Ishbia's investment in the women's game is further evidenced by the construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center, reflecting his broader vision for elevating the city's sports infrastructure.
Regarding the Footprint Center itself, Ishbia expressed his confidence in its current status while also hinting at future developments. "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 stated. This forward-thinking approach suggests that Ishbia is not only focused on the present but also planning for the long-term growth and sustainability of the city's sports venues.
Community Integration and Sports Commitment
Ishbia's pledge to immerse himself in the community and explore avenues to bring hockey back is not just about filling a void left by the Coyotes' departure. It speaks to a larger commitment to the sports culture in Phoenix. By leveraging his existing assets and influence within the sports world, Ishbia aims to create a vibrant, multi-sport atmosphere that caters to a diverse fan base.
The relocation of the Coyotes is undoubtedly a significant change for Arizona's hockey fans. However, with Ishbia's proactive stance and passion for sports, there exists a promising possibility for the state's reentry into the NHL. Whether through the development of new facilities, community engagement, or strategic partnerships, Ishbia's initiatives could reignite the spirit of hockey in Arizona.
With a strategic vision extending beyond the immediate future, Ishbia's trajectory shows a blend of investment in infrastructure, commitment to community, and a broader understanding of the sports industry's dynamics. His moves will undoubtedly be watched closely by sports fans and stakeholders across the nation as he endeavors to solidify Arizona's position as a thriving hub for professional sports.