Mat Ishbia Eyes Return of NHL to Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is making significant waves in the sports world with his ambitious plans to revitalize hockey in Arizona. Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is determined to turn the state back into a four-sport destination. The Arizona Coyotes' imminent relocation to Salt Lake City at the end of the 2023-24 season has left a void that Ishbia is eager 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," Ishbia told Sportico. "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."
The Coyotes, who once called Gila River Arena in Glendale their home, found themselves playing at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. This drastic change in venue size reflected the team's declining fortunes, culminating in the sale of the franchise by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion. With their departure, Utah will now welcome the rebranded Utah Hockey Club, set to begin its inaugural season in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Vision for a New Era
While Ishbia embarks on his mission to bring the NHL back to Arizona, he has also been busy enhancing the infrastructure of his current teams. The Footprint Center, home to both the Suns and the Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its capacity to support large-scale events. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility has been constructed behind the arena, signifying a significant investment in the development of women's sports.
"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," Ishbia stated, hinting at grander ambitions for the future of Arizona sports.
Community Engagement and Long-Term Commitment
Ishbia’s commitment to the Arizona community extends beyond just offering entertainment; it's about fostering a sense of unity and pride. By expressing his interest in reviving hockey in the region, Ishbia is not just looking at business opportunities but is also considering the cultural and communal significance of the sport.
This objective aligns seamlessly with his track record. Under his ownership, both the Suns and Mercury have enjoyed various enhancements, from facility upgrades to high-profile event hosting. Ishbia’s forward-thinking approach suggests that his potential venture into hockey would be characterized by similar investments aimed at both immediate success and long-term sustainability. It is not just about filling the void left by the Coyotes but transforming the state into a powerhouse across multiple sports disciplines.
Looking Ahead
The impending relocation of the Coyotes leaves behind a mixed legacy of struggles but also of hope for a resurgence. Ishbia’s commitment marks a critical juncture for Arizona sports. The prospect of bringing hockey back under a new and dynamic ownership could reinvigorate interest and support among fans, drawing back the passionate hockey community that Arizona has nurtured over the years.
Arizona's journey from losing an NHL team to potentially gaining a revitalized one under Ishbia’s stewardship is a narrative of resilience and vision. The Footprint Center, already enhanced and primed for new milestones, serves as a testament to Ishbia's dedication and ambition. Coupled with his clear strategy and community-oriented mindset, the state's future as a vibrant sports destination appears promising.
As we await further developments, the sports community remains optimistic about what lies ahead. With Mat Ishbia at the helm, one thing is certain: Arizona's sporting landscape is set to undergo a transformative era that fans of all disciplines can eagerly anticipate.