Phoenix Suns Owner Aims to Bring Hockey Back to Arizona
In a significant shake-up in the world of sports, Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a strong desire to bring hockey back to Arizona. This comes in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' announcement to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. The newly named Utah Hockey Club will commence its inaugural season in the 2025-26 season, marking an end to the Coyotes’ run in Arizona.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," Ishbia told 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, who played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024, had been struggling with attendance and securing a stable arena deal. This ultimately led to Alex Meruelo selling the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion, signaling the end of the team’s tumultuous tenure in Arizona.
Future of Arizona Sports Facilities
Meanwhile, the Footprint Center, which serves as home to the Phoenix Mercury and recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, continues to stand out as a premier venue. Ishbia, who seems keen on bolstering Arizona’s sports landscape, emphasized the importance of maintaining first-class facilities 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," Ishbia remarked. The recent construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center underscores his commitment to providing top-notch amenities for athletes.
With Ishbia at the helm, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have seen significant improvements and investments in their infrastructure, but the quest to bring back a professional hockey team highlights his broader vision for the region. His ambition to make Phoenix a thriving four-sport city aligns with not only the fans' desires but also the economic and cultural benefits that come with hosting major sports teams.
Challenges and Optimism
Reviving professional hockey in Arizona is no small feat. The logistical challenges of securing an arena, attracting a franchise, and building a loyal fan base are considerable. Nevertheless, Ishbia’s proven track record of successful sports management and his commitment to the community provide a glimmer of hope.
The departure of the Coyotes has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of many local hockey fans. However, Ishbia's dedication offers a renewed sense of optimism. His proactive approach suggests that the absence of a hockey team in Arizona might only be temporary, with potential plans already in the pipeline to restore the sport within the state.
As the 2025-26 season approaches with the Utah Hockey Club gearing up for its debut in Salt Lake City, the sports community in Arizona watches with bated breath. Whether or not Ishbia’s dream to bring hockey back to the Grand Canyon State will materialize remains to be seen. However, his enthusiasm and influence are pivotal as fans hold out hope for the return of their beloved sport.
The next few years will be critical as Ishbia navigates the complexities of this ambitious endeavor. The move could not only enhance the state's sports offerings but also solidify Arizona's reputation as a major hub for professional sports.