Mat Ishbia’s Ambitious Plans: Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
By Veteran Sports Columnist
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, known for his dynamic approach and community-oriented mindset, has recently set his sights on an ambitious new venture: bringing hockey back to Arizona. Given the departure of the Arizona Coyotes, who will be relocating to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 campaign, Ishbia’s vision could potentially fill a notable void in the Phoenix sports landscape.
The Coyotes, under previous owner Alex Meruelo, played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. However, the City’s hockey fans are now grappling with the reality of the team's upcoming relocation and subsequent rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club, which will begin its inaugural season in 2025-26.
Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a strong commitment to the Phoenix community. “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 stated candidly to Sportico.
Indeed, his sentiment resonates deeply with local fans and stakeholders who have long considered Phoenix a robust sports town, supporting franchises across basketball, football, and baseball. The void left by the Coyotes' departure is palpable, but Ishbia's drive and determination might just be the catalyst needed to reinstate professional hockey in the Valley of the Sun.
Footprint Center: A Hub of Activity
At the core of Ishbia’s sports empire is the Footprint Center, a venue that has recently undergone significant developments, further embedding it into the community’s fabric. The Center was upgraded to host prestigious events like the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities.
Moreover, a substantial investment was made in women's sports with the construction of a $100 million practice facility behind the Footprint Center, primarily benefiting the Phoenix Mercury. These developments underscore Ishbia’s commitment to creating top-tier sports environments.
Yet, Ishbia remains mindful of evolving needs and future aspirations. “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 remarked, hinting at grander plans on the horizon that could potentially include hockey.
Transition and Opportunity
The transition of the Arizona Coyotes to the Utah Hockey Club marks the end of an era but simultaneously opens the door to new opportunities. Alex Meruelo’s sale of the Coyotes for $1.2 billion emphasizes the significant capital and interest surrounding the franchise. As Salt Lake City prepares to welcome its new team, Phoenix finds itself at a crossroads.
Ishbia’s proactive approach and his established record of bolstering local sports provide a glimmer of hope for hockey enthusiasts. Reinstating a hockey team could reinvigorate the sports culture in Arizona, bringing back the excitement and community engagement that teams like the Coyotes once generated.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports franchises and community involvement, Mat Ishbia stands out as a pivotal figure, poised to make transformative changes. His vision for reintegrating hockey into Arizona’s sporting mosaic aligns with his broader commitment to enhancing local sports infrastructure and community involvement.
As Phoenix navigates this new chapter, fans can take solace in knowing that advocates like Ishbia are committed to preserving and expanding their cherished sports traditions. While the future of hockey in Arizona remains in the balance, the drive and dedication of individuals within the community shine brightly, promising a compelling and hopeful outlook.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds, with the potential for Phoenix to once again cheer for a home-grown hockey team, adding a fourth pillar to its illustrious sports heritage.