Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has ambitious plans beyond basketball. The multi-sport mogul has expressed a keen interest in reviving professional hockey in Arizona, a state currently poised to lose its NHL franchise, the Arizona Coyotes, after the 2023-24 season.
Renewed Hope for Arizona Hockey
This revelation comes on the heels of significant changes for the Coyotes franchise. Following their 2023-24 campaign, the team is set to relocate to Salt Lake City, ushering in a new era as the Utah Hockey Club beginning in the 2025-26 season. This relocation marks the end of an era that saw the Coyotes play their home games at the Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat venue on Arizona State's Tempe campus, from 2022 to 2024.
Driving Ishbia's vision is a passion for the local community and a belief that Phoenix is a city that deserves to have all four major sports. "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.
Building on Success
As the owner of both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, Ishbia's influence on the sporting landscape of Arizona is profound. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury and venue of the recent WNBA All-Star Game, stands as a testament to his commitment to elevating sports in the state. The Mercury are now benefiting from a state-of-the-art $100 million women’s practice facility built behind the arena.
Despite Ishbia’s enthusiasm, he remains pragmatic about the current state of facilities, acknowledging a potential need for future upgrades or replacements. "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 admitted.
A Changing of the Guard
The Coyotes' departure marks a significant shift in Arizona's sports identity. Alex Meruelo, who played a pivotal role in maintaining the Coyotes' presence in Arizona, recently sold the team for $1.2 billion, facilitating the move to Salt Lake City. This sale and subsequent relocation open both challenges and opportunities for the local sports scene, with Ishbia's commitment to revitalizing hockey offering a ray of hope to fans.
Keen observers of Ishbia's previous ventures can attest to his drive and determination. His dual ownership of the Suns and Mercury has already led to notable successes, enhancing the reputation and facilities of both teams. Now, with the potential return of professional hockey on the horizon, Ishbia's influence could further cement Phoenix's status as a premier sports city.
As the Utah Hockey Club prepares for its inaugural season in Salt Lake City, Phoenix may soon witness a resurgence in its hockey culture, driven by Ishbia’s ambition and vision for the future. For fans, the prospect of once again cheering for a hometown hockey team is tantalizingly close, hinging on the unwavering commitment of a sports magnate determined to bring the game back where it belongs.