Mat Ishbia Sets Sights on Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is casting an ambitious gaze towards the return of hockey in Arizona. His passion for the sport and dedication to the community he serves were recently underscored in a conversation with Sportico.
"I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," Ishbia stated. "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."
For Arizona hockey fans, the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era. The Coyotes will leave following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season and will commence their inaugural season as the Utah Hockey Club come 2025-26. This transition follows their recent tenure at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, where they've played from 2022 to 2024.
The Coyotes' relocation was initiated by Alex Meruelo's decision to sell the franchise for a substantial $1.2 billion. Despite the financial success, local fans and stakeholders in Arizona have felt the sting of losing their NHL team.
Meanwhile, Mat Ishbia remains unwavering in his commitment to enhancing the sports landscape of Phoenix. The recent developments at the Footprint Center are a testament to this dedication. Not only did the arena host the WNBA All-Star Game, but it also saw the completion of a $100 million women's practice facility, further solidifying its status as a top-tier sports venue.
Footprint Center serves as the home court for the Phoenix Mercury. Ishbia expressed his satisfaction with the current state of the arena but hinted at potential future upgrades. "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 noted.
The commitment to top-notch facilities and operations has always been at the forefront of Ishbia's strategy. His dual role as the owner of both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury places him in a unique position to drive transformative changes in the region's sports infrastructure. Given his track record, the community eagerly anticipates what his efforts could mean for the return of professional hockey to Arizona.
In the meantime, Utah prepares to welcome the Coyotes with open arms. The formation of the Utah Hockey Club and its forthcoming debut season signals new beginnings and fresh opportunities for players and fans alike. The move is sure to bolster the sports scene in Salt Lake City, a city already known for its passionate sports enthusiasts and state-of-the-art facilities.
For Arizona, the future remains hopeful. Mat Ishbia's vision and determination to restore the city's status as a four-sport town is not just a declaration but a burgeoning mission rooted in community spirit and a deep love for the game of hockey.
As the new seasons roll around, all eyes will be on the developments spurred by Ishbia's leadership. The potential for the revival of professional hockey in Arizona carries with it the promise of not only restoring a lost legacy but also forging new traditions that will inspire future generations of sports fans in the state.