Hockey's Potential Return to Arizona: Mat Ishbia's Vision and the Coyotes' Move
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is eyeing a significant sports revival in Arizona, with ambitions reaching beyond basketball courts and into the realm of hockey. Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a keen interest in reinstating a hockey team in the Phoenix area, a move that would undoubtedly restore the city's four-sport status.
"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.
The departure of the Arizona Coyotes marks a significant shift in the local sports landscape. Following the 2023-24 season, the Coyotes will relocate to Salt Lake City, where they will be rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club. This new chapter will commence with their inaugural season in 2025-26, leaving behind the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, which served as their temporary home from 2022 to 2024.
The decision to relocate the Coyotes may have disappointed local fans, but it also opens up opportunities for new ventures and investments in Arizona's sports infrastructure. Ishbia's vision for the future includes not just regaining a hockey presence but also enhancing the facilities for the existing teams under his ownership.
The Footprint Center, which recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, stands as a testament to the kind of upgrades Ishbia envisions. The arena, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently saw the completion of a $100 million women's practice facility built right behind it. Speaking about the current state of arenas, 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 forward-thinking approach is crucial as Ishbia navigates the complexities of sports management and city planning. Bringing a new hockey team to Arizona would not only necessitate significant financial investment but also strategic collaboration with city officials, sports executives, and the community at large. Yet, considering Ishbia's track record, including his willingness to make substantial investments in sports infrastructure, this vision appears well within reach.
The sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion further signifies the substantial value and potential profitability of hockey as a major sport in America. This figure underscores the kind of economic impact a successful hockey franchise can bring to a city. Ishbia's commitment to rejuvenating Arizona's hockey scene could catalyze a broader revitalization of local sports culture.
For fans who have watched the ups and downs of the Coyotes over the years, this future vision brings a mixture of hope and anticipation. While the upcoming season will be the final chapter for the Coyotes in Arizona, the promise of a renewed interest and potential return of professional hockey offers a bright horizon.
Ishbia's steps towards this goal remain to be seen in their entirety, but his stated passion and business acumen provide a promising foundation. As he continues to explore this venture, the sports community will be watching closely, ready to support the resurgence of hockey in Arizona.