Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has set an ambitious goal: bringing professional hockey back to the Valley of the Sun. The bold endeavor comes in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' impending relocation to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. This move marks a significant shift in the sports landscape of Arizona, which will see the state without an NHL team for the first time in decades.
A Vision for Revival
Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is passionate about fostering a vibrant sports environment in Arizona. "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 shared in an interview with Sportico.
With this commitment from Ishbia, there is a palpable sense of optimism among Arizona sports fans. The Footprint Center, home to both the Suns and the Mercury, recently demonstrated its capacity to host premier events by successfully hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. The addition of a $100 million dedicated women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center further underscores Ishbia's dedication to enhancing the sports infrastructure in Phoenix.
The New Era in Utah
As Phoenix anticipates the potential return of NHL action, the Coyotes prepare for their next chapter in Salt Lake City. Rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, the franchise will begin its inaugural season in the 2025-26 season. This move follows the sale of the Coyotes by Alex Meruelo for a staggering $1.2 billion, signifying a major shift for the team that had made its home in Arizona for many years.
During their last seasons in Arizona, the Coyotes played at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024. While this venue offered a temporary solution, the search for a more permanent, larger arena was underway, culminating in the decision to relocate to Salt Lake City.
Looking Ahead
Ishbia's ambitions for a new arena are clear as he balances his immediate satisfaction with the current facilities. "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 expressed, revealing the forward-thinking mindset necessary for securing the long-term future of professional sports teams in the city.
The significant investment in the women’s practice facility attests to Ishbia's willingness to bolster the community's sports foundations. This major development not only enhances the training environment for the Phoenix Mercury but also signals a broader commitment to elevating the sporting experience for athletes and fans alike.
As the dust settles on the Coyotes' departure, Ishbia's vision offers a glimmer of hope for hockey enthusiasts in Arizona. The prospect of welcoming back an NHL team aligns with the broader narrative of inclusivity and growth that he champions through his stewardship of the Suns and Mercury.
While the timeline for such a revival remains uncertain, Ishbia's proactive stance inspires confidence. His proven track record in sports management, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, positions him as a pivotal figure in potentially restoring four-sport status to Phoenix. The journey to reach this ambitious goal will undoubtedly be one to watch, as Ishbia seeks to turn disappointment into renewed pride and enthusiasm for Arizona's hockey fans.