Mat Ishbia, the ambitious owner of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, has set his sights on revitalizing the hockey scene in Arizona. Ishbia's passion for sports extends beyond basketball, with a keen interest in transforming Phoenix back into a four-sport city.
The Relocation of the Arizona Coyotes
The departure of the Arizona Coyotes, who will relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign, left a notable void in the local sports landscape. The Coyotes will be rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, with their inaugural season slated for 2025-26. This move marks the end of a significant era for Arizona hockey, as the team had played its home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024.
Alex Meruelo's decision to sell the Coyotes for $1.2 billion facilitated this major relocation. The shift underscores the importance of a solid fan base and a state-of-the-art arena to a franchise's success, elements that fell short during the Coyotes' turbulent tenure in Arizona.
Mat Ishbia's Vision for Arizona Hockey
Ishbia is determined to address the void left by the Coyotes' departure. "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."
Ishbia's commitment to Phoenix is palpable. Under his leadership, the Footprint Center has hosted prestigious events, including the WNBA All-Star Game, demonstrating his dedication to elevating sports in the city. Beyond hosting events, a significant investment of $100 million was directed towards constructing a state-of-the-art practice facility for women behind the Footprint Center, which serves as the home of the Phoenix Mercury. This facility underscores Ishbia's commitment to enhancing both the infrastructure and the experience for athletes and fans alike.
The Future of the Footprint Center
While Ishbia holds the current arena in high regard, he acknowledges the necessity for future developments. "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 remarked. This sentiment reflects his forward-thinking approach, balancing appreciation for existing facilities with a strategic vision for future growth and modernization.
The departure of the Coyotes has ignited a broader conversation about the future of professional hockey in Arizona. Community leaders, sports enthusiasts, and business stakeholders are keenly observing Ishbia's next steps. His proven track record with the Suns and Mercury adds a layer of credibility to his ambitions, fostering optimism among those who hope to see hockey's return to the Valley.
Rebuilding a Hockey Legacy
Ishbia’s potential involvement in bringing hockey back to Arizona could rejuvenate the sports culture in Phoenix. The vision extends beyond merely reinstating a team; it encompasses building a supportive and engaged community around hockey. The success of the Suns and Mercury under Ishbia's stewardship serves as a promising indicator of his ability to galvanize community support and foster a thriving sports environment.
The roadmap to reintroducing hockey in Arizona will likely involve intricate planning and substantial investment. From securing an appropriate venue to cultivating fan engagement, each step will be critical. However, with Ishbia's evident commitment to the community and his strategic acumen, there is a growing belief that hockey could indeed make a triumphant return to Arizona.
For now, the Phoenix sports community remains hopeful and supportive of Ishbia’s vision. As the 2023-24 season marks the end of an era with the Coyotes’ final games in Arizona, attention shifts to what the future holds. With trailblazers like Ishbia at the helm, the prospect of welcoming hockey back to the Valley seems not just plausible, but probable.