Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is setting his sights on expanding his sports empire in Arizona by exploring the possibility of bringing hockey back to the state. With his recent acquisition of both the Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, Ishbia has made significant moves within the sports community, including hosting the WNBA All-Star Game and constructing a state-of-the-art practice facility for women athletes.
However, hockey fans in Arizona were dealt a blow with the announcement that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. The team, which will be rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, is set to begin its inaugural season in the 2025-26 campaign. This marks the end of an era for a franchise that had struggled with stability and venue issues for years.
Reflecting on the upcoming changes, Ishbia shared his vision for the future. "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," he told Sportico.
The Coyotes' tenure in Arizona had been a turbulent one, especially in their later years. From 2022 to 2024, the team played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. This was a temporary solution after failing to secure a long-term venue in Glendale, which led to a less-than-ideal playing situation both for the team and its fans.
The sale of the Coyotes, worth $1.2 billion, marked a pivotal point for the franchise. Former owner Alex Meruelo's decision to sell paved the way for the relocation to Salt Lake City, where new opportunities await. Meanwhile, the void left by the Coyotes' departure presents both a challenge and an opportunity for passionate sports stakeholders in Arizona.
Mat Ishbia's involvement in discussions about bringing another hockey team to Arizona highlights his commitment to the state's sports scene. The businessman has not only invested in professional teams but also in infrastructure. The recent construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center is a testament to his dedication. This facility will serve as a hub for the Phoenix Mercury, who call the Footprint Center their home.
Additionally, Ishbia casts a forward-looking eye on the future of sporting venues in the area. "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, pointing towards potential future developments that could enhance the experience for fans and athletes alike.
As the Arizona sports landscape continues to evolve, the prospect of bringing hockey back to the state adds an intriguing dimension. With a sports-savvy owner like Mat Ishbia at the helm and a community passionate about its teams, the journey to restore hockey in Arizona is one to watch closely. While the departure of the Coyotes marks the end of one chapter, it could very well spark the beginning of another, shaping the future of sports in the region.