Phoenix Suns Owner Sets Sights on Reviving Hockey in Arizona
The Phoenix sports landscape may soon expand as Mat Ishbia, the dynamic owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has his sights set on bringing hockey back to Arizona. This follows the recent announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 campaign and rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club for their inaugural season in 2025-26.
"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," Ishbia told Sportico. "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."
Mat Ishbia, a prominent figure in the sports industry, has quickly made significant investments in Phoenix's sporting infrastructure. Beyond owning the Suns and Mercury, he oversaw the construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center. This state-of-the-art facility underscores his commitment to elevating women's sports, further highlighted by the Footprint Center recently hosting the WNBA All-Star Game.
In a move that marks a significant loss for Arizona's hockey fans, the Coyotes' departure signals the end of an era. Since 2022, the Coyotes have played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. Their relocation was sealed when Alex Meruelo sold the team for a staggering $1.2 billion, paving the way for the team's future in Salt Lake City.
But Ishbia's vision for a four-sport Phoenix endures. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about the possibility of resurrecting a hockey team in the Valley of the Sun. His ambitions align with his broader vision for Phoenix's sports venues. "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, hinting at future infrastructural developments that could support his multi-sport aspirations.
The Footprint Center, already the home of the Phoenix Mercury and a proven venue for high-profile events like the WNBA All-Star Game, could play a crucial role in Ishbia's plans. With the right investments and strategic upgrades, the potential for hosting an NHL team could become a reality.
Ishbia's dedication to fostering a community environment around sports is palpable. His keen interest in bringing hockey back to Arizona is driven by a belief that Phoenix thrives as a four-sport town, one that deserves representation in the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and NHL. It's a belief shared by many fans who mourn the loss of the Coyotes but hold onto hope that a new team will rise from the ashes.
As Phoenix continues to grow and diversify its sporting landscape, Ishbia's bold vision and proactive approach to sports management could be the key to its future. While the departure of the Coyotes marks the end of one chapter, Ishbia's ambitions suggest that a new, exciting era of hockey in Arizona may be on the horizon.