Mat Ishbia's Ambitious Plan to Bring Hockey Back to Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is making headlines not just for his involvement in basketball but for his aspirations to bring hockey back to Arizona. With the upcoming relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, Ishbia is keen on filling the void left in the state's sports landscape.
The departure of the Coyotes, set to take place following the 2023-24 campaign, marks the end of an era for Arizona hockey fans. The team, which will rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, is preparing for its inaugural season in Salt Lake City starting in 2025-26. This move comes after several seasons of playing home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe.
Despite understanding the circumstances behind the Coyotes' relocation, Ishbia is vocal about his disappointment. "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."
The Ishbia Vision
Owning both the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, Ishbia has demonstrated his commitment to Arizona's sports community. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its capability to handle major sporting events. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the Footprint Center, reflecting Ishbia's dedication to providing top-notch amenities for athletes.
When discussing the facilities, Ishbia expressed satisfaction, yet also hinted at future improvements. "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 said. This statement aligns with his ambitious vision of enhancing the sports infrastructure in Arizona, possibly paving the way for a new hockey venue.
The sale of the Coyotes, executed by Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion, has left a significant gap in Arizona's sports scene. However, Ishbia's proactive stance suggests that he is not only ready to fill this gap but to elevate Arizona's status as a premier sports destination.
A Community-Centric Approach
Ishbia's approach to sports ownership goes beyond business; it is deeply rooted in community engagement. His desire to reinstate a hockey team in Arizona reflects his understanding of the cultural and emotional value sports hold for the community. By potentially spearheading efforts to bring hockey back, Ishbia is positioning himself as a pivotal figure in Arizona's sports evolution.
The potential return of professional hockey in Arizona is a storyline that fans and analysts alike will watch closely. Ishbia's track record with the Suns and Mercury demonstrates his capability as an owner who not only invests in teams but also in the broader community. His vision for a new arena could be the cornerstone of this revitalization, providing a state-of-the-art facility that could attract a new NHL team or even spur the development of local hockey programs.
Conclusion
With Mat Ishbia at the helm, the dream of bringing hockey back to Arizona seems closer to reality. His blend of community focus, strategic investments, and unwavering passion for sports positions him as the ideal leader to navigate this complex endeavor. As the Coyotes transition to their new chapter in Salt Lake City, all eyes will be on Ishbia to see if he can turn his vision into a tangible comeback for Arizona hockey.