Phoenix Suns Owner Eyes Hockey Revival in Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is determined to revive the presence of hockey in Arizona. The recent announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign marks a significant shift in the region's sports landscape. In the meantime, the Utah Hockey Club is preparing for its inaugural season under the new name in 2025-26.
Despite this setback for Arizona hockey fans, Ishbia remains committed to the idea of bringing the sport back to the Valley of the Sun. "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.
Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has already demonstrated his dedication to sports in the region. The Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game and saw the completion of a $100 million women's practice facility built right behind it.
The departure of the Coyotes leaves a void in Arizona hockey. Since 2022, the team played its home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. The move to Salt Lake City, coupled with Alex Meruelo selling the team for $1.2 billion, adds a new chapter to the Coyotes' storied history.
The Footprint Center, which Mat Ishbia lauds as a top-tier venue, reflects his commitment to maintaining high standards in sports infrastructure. "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 remarked. This foresight underlines his long-term vision for maintaining and potentially expanding the professional sports presence in Arizona.
The news about the Coyotes might be disheartening for Arizona's hockey devotees, but it also ignites curiosity and anticipation about what the future might hold under Ishbia's stewardship. As the dust settles on the Coyotes' relocation, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how Ishbia's ambitions to restore hockey in Arizona unfold.
With hockey potentially slated for a comeback, coupled with his existing commitments to basketball, both at the professional and collegiate levels, Ishbia is positioning himself as a pivotal figure in Arizona’s sports future. The promise of substantial investments and renewed energy brings hope that the Valley will once again become a vibrant hub for professional hockey.
As Mat Ishbia continues to demonstrate his deep investment in the local sports scene, one thing is clear: his vision for a thriving, multi-sport environment in Arizona is unwavering. The next few years will be instrumental in defining the legacy of sports in the region, particularly with key projects unfolding at the Footprint Center and beyond.