Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed a keen interest in reviving professional hockey in Arizona following the anticipated relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes are set to move to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, transforming into the Utah Hockey Club and beginning their inaugural season under this new identity in the 2025-26 campaign.
Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, shared his vision for hockey with Sportico, highlighting his commitment to the community and his desire to restore the sport to the region. "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 said.
The Coyotes' relocation marks the end of an era that saw the team playing at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. Despite the smaller venue, the Coyotes' fan base remained loyal, hoping for a resolution that would secure the team's future in Arizona.
Investing in the Future
Under Ishbia's ownership, the Phoenix sports landscape has already witnessed significant investments. The Footprint Center, serving as home to both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, recently showcased its capability by hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the Footprint Center, underlining Ishbia's commitment to elevating sports infrastructure in the region.
Ishbia's influence extends beyond basketball. His actions reflect a broader vision for sports in Arizona, emphasizing top-tier facilities and community engagement. "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 mentioned, indicating potential future developments and upgrades that could further solidify Phoenix as a sports hub.
Economic Impacts
The sale of the Coyotes by former owner Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion underscores the high stakes and financial implications tied to hockey's presence in Arizona. The relocation to Salt Lake City is not just a geographical shift but a significant economic decision that affects local economies, fan engagement, and the broader sports ecosystem.
Salt Lake City's acquisition of the team suggests a burgeoning interest in expanding the city's sports portfolio, adding another layer to the competitive sports markets in the United States. The transformation into the Utah Hockey Club will bring new opportunities and challenges as the team seeks to build a new legacy in a different state.
Community Response and Future Prospects
As the Coyotes prepare for their final season in Arizona, the community's response has been one of mixed emotions. Longtime fans grapple with the loss of their team while holding onto hope that Ishbia's vision for bringing hockey back could materialize. Ishbia's dedication to the community and his track record of substantial investments in sports infrastructure leave room for optimism among fans and stakeholders alike.
The potential return of professional hockey to Arizona hinges on numerous factors, including securing an appropriate venue, gaining support from the NHL, and fostering a sustainable fan base. Ishbia's proactive stance suggests he is acutely aware of these challenges and is prepared to navigate them in pursuit of restoring Arizona's status as a vibrant, four-sport town.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, Mat Ishbia's efforts to bring back hockey to Arizona represent a significant chapter in Phoenix's sports narrative. His multifaceted approach—marking substantial investments in infrastructure, community engagement, and a vested interest in regional sports growth—positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of sports in Arizona.
The coming years will be telling, as the Arizona sports community watches closely. Whether Ishbia's vision culminates in the return of professional hockey remains to be seen, but the foundational efforts and intentions are undoubtedly in motion.