Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has his sights set on bringing hockey back to Arizona. Despite the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia remains optimistic about the future of professional hockey in the state. The recently rebranded Utah Hockey Club will begin its inaugural season under the new name in the 2025-26 season, but Ishbia envisions a return to Arizona for the sport.
"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. His commitment to Arizona sports is evident through his ownership of both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.
Building a Sports Legacy
The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities. Ishbia's investment in the Mercury is further evidenced by a new $100 million women's practice facility built behind the arena. The practice facility not only underscores Ishbia's dedication to supporting women's sports but also hints at the potential infrastructure improvements he could bring to a revived Arizona hockey franchise.
Reflecting on the current state of the Footprint Center, Ishbia said, "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." This statement suggests that while the existing facilities can adequately support the team's needs for now, there may be future plans for advancements to align with his broader vision for Phoenix sports.
The Coyotes' Relocation and Potential Return
The Coyotes played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. The limited capacity and college campus location underscored the franchise's struggle to secure a stable home, culminating in their eventual relocation. Former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo sold the club for $1.2 billion, marking a significant transition in the team's history.
While the departure of the Coyotes left a void in the local sports scene, Ishbia sees an opportunity to fill it. His vision includes the construction of a new arena in downtown Phoenix, which would be a significant upgrade from the team's previous venues. Bringing a team back could restore Phoenix's status as a major hub for professional hockey and ignite renewed enthusiasm among the fans.
A Vision for the Future
Ishbia's determination to bring hockey back to Arizona is driven by a broader commitment to the local community. His proactive stance and willingness to invest in facilities and infrastructure reflect a long-term vision centered around creating a vibrant sports culture in Phoenix. The potential addition of a hockey team would fortify the city's reputation as a bustling sports town, joining the ranks of its NBA, WNBA, and NFL teams.
As Ishbia continues to explore opportunities to reintroduce professional hockey to Arizona, fans and stakeholders alike will be keeping a close watch. Whether through partnerships, new investments, or strategic planning, Ishbia's dedication could pave the way for a triumphant return of the sport to the Grand Canyon State. Should his ambitions come to fruition, Arizona could once again become a dynamic market for the NHL, with a modern arena and a renewed sense of community spirit driving the endeavor.