Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Sets Sights on Reviving Arizona Hockey
Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is on a mission to reinstate hockey in Arizona. The ardent sports enthusiast has openly expressed his desire to bring back the sport, hoping to transform Phoenix into a bustling, four-sport town once more.
"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."
This ambitious vision comes in the wake of the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign. The shift marks the end of an era as the Coyotes rebrand themselves as the Utah Hockey Club, set to begin its inaugural season in 2025-26.
Ownership and Venue Shifts
The transition in ownership and locations has significantly impacted the Coyotes. Alex Meruelo, the former owner, sold the team for a staggering $1.2 billion. For their last seasons in Arizona, the Coyotes had been playing their home games at Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, a venue that accommodates just 5,000 spectators. This temporary arrangement highlighted the ongoing struggles to secure a long-term, permanent home, ultimately leading to the relocation.
Revitalizing the Footprint Center
Meanwhile, Ishbia remains committed to enhancing the sporting landscape in Phoenix. Under his ownership, the Footprint Center has seen significant improvements, hosting prestigious events like the WNBA All-Star Game and featuring a newly-built $100 million practice facility for women's sports right behind the center. The Footprint Center continues to serve as the home base for the Phoenix Mercury, illustrating Ishbia's dedication to top-tier sports infrastructure.
Despite his pride in the current facilities, Ishbia acknowledges the potential need for more modern infrastructure 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 remarked.
Looking Ahead
As Ishbia sets his sights on bringing back hockey to Arizona, it raises exciting possibilities for the local sports community. The potential reintroduction of a hockey team could not only restore Phoenix's status as a four-sport city but also rekindle the passion of hockey fans who've long supported the Coyotes. While the relocation of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City marks a significant shift, Ishbia's vision provides a glimmer of hope and anticipation for what the future holds for hockey in Arizona.