Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Eyes Rejuvenation of Arizona Hockey Scene
By Jane Doe
The landscape of professional sports in Arizona could be undergoing a monumental shift as Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia expressed a strong interest in reviving professional hockey in the region. Following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season, there is a significant void in Arizona's sports community – one that Ishbia aims to fill.
“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,” Ishbia told Sportico. “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.”
The relocation of the Coyotes marks the end of an era for Arizona hockey fans. Starting from the 2025-26 season, the franchise will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, a decision catalyzed by the team's prolonged struggle with venue stability and financial viability.
From 2022 to 2024, the Coyotes played their home games at the relatively modest 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe. While the arena provided an interim solution, it underscored the need for more permanent and fitting accommodations for a professional hockey team. The recent sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion has further highlighted the transitions within the sport.
Meanwhile, Ishbia has made significant investments in the Phoenix sports infrastructure, underscoring his commitment to enhancing the sporting experience in the area. Under his leadership, the Footprint Center recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its suitability for top-tier professional sports events. Furthermore, a substantial $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the Footprint Center, which serves as the home of the Phoenix Mercury.
Ishbia's remarks hint at the necessity for continuous improvements and possibly even a new venue in the future. “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 said.
The Footprint Center stands as a testament to Ishbia's vision for an elite sporting venue in Phoenix. As the city mourns the departure of the Coyotes, the potential return of professional hockey could provide a rejuvenating boost to the local sports culture. Ishbia's enthusiasm and dedication make the prospect not just a distant hope but a tangible possibility.
The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Arizona can once again support a professional hockey team. Ishbia’s track record with the Suns and Mercury suggests that he has both the vision and the resources to make significant strides towards this goal.
As fans in Arizona await further developments, the community can take solace in Ishbia's commitment to their cause. His proactive approach and willingness to invest heavily in local sports infrastructure could well pave the way for a new chapter in Arizona hockey history.
With Ishbia at the helm, the future of professional sports in Phoenix looks brighter – and perhaps, more inclusive of an ice rink once more.