Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has ambitious plans to bring hockey back to Arizona. In a city known for its diverse sports culture, Ishbia is keen to restore it to a four-sport town following the Arizona Coyotes' impending relocation.
Ishbia's Ambitious Vision
The Arizona Coyotes are set to move to Salt Lake City post the 2023-24 season, marking the end of an era for hockey fans in Arizona. The team will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, debuting under its new name for the 2025-26 season. Such a shift has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of local hockey enthusiasts. But Ishbia, a notable figure in Arizona's sports landscape, sees an opportunity amidst the upheaval.
"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 shared with Sportico. His commitment to Arizona sports is visible not just in his words but through his actions, particularly visible from the enhancements around the Footprint Center.
Revitalizing the Footprint Center
The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, has been undergoing a series of upgrades to elevate the fan experience. Recently, the venue hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, demonstrating its capability to accommodate high-profile events. Further showcasing his dedication, Ishbia spearheaded the construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the arena, a significant investment in the local sports infrastructure.
Ishbia has also voiced his appreciation for the current state of the Footprint Center but acknowledges the need for future advancements. "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, hinting at long-term plans that could further enhance the sporting facilities in Phoenix.
A Look Back at the Coyotes
The Coyotes' move isn't entirely surprising given the team's recent challenges. From 2022 to 2024, they played their home games at the Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat venue on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. This stint in a relatively small arena underscored the financial and logistic hurdles the team faced in maintaining a stable home base.
The franchise's sale also marked a significant shift. Alex Meruelo, the previous owner, sold the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion, an indicator of the high stakes and substantial financial investments involved in the NHL. As the team prepares for its transition to Salt Lake City, it closes a chapter on its history in Arizona, leaving behind a mix of both triumphs and tribulations.
The Road Ahead
As Salt Lake City eagerly awaits the arrival of the newly minted Utah Hockey Club, Arizona's sporting community is left pondering the future. With Ishbia at the helm, there's a glimmer of hope that the state might soon see the return of professional hockey. His vision and commitment to sports in Arizona have already started reshaping the landscape, making it feasible that he could lead the charge in reviving the sport.
In the interim, fans can continue to enjoy the thriving environments created around the Footprint Center, thanks to Ishbia's significant investments. Whether it's the high-paced action of the Phoenix Suns or the skillful play of the Phoenix Mercury, there's plenty to keep sports enthusiasts engaged. And with Ishbia's interest in hockey, who knows what exciting announcements might be on the horizon for Arizona? The passion for the sport burns bright, ready to be rekindled with new energy and ambition.