Suns Owner Eyes Hockey Resurgence in Arizona
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has indicated a fervent interest in reinstating a professional hockey presence in the Valley of the Sun. With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Ishbia is positioning himself as a key figure in future efforts to revive the sport in Arizona. The Utah Hockey Club will debut in the 2025-26 season, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
Commitment to the Community
Mat Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, sees the absence of a hockey team as a void that needs filling. "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."
While the departure of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City is a setback for local hockey fans, Ishbia's commitment suggests a potential future where professional hockey once again thrives in Arizona. His vision underscores the importance of Phoenix maintaining its status as a city with representation in all major sports leagues.
Arena Evolution and Investments
Ishbia's interest in hockey is complemented by significant recent investments in sports infrastructure in Phoenix. The Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed just behind the arena, exemplifying the commitment to enhancing the city's sports amenities.
Despite his satisfaction with the current state of the arena, Ishbia foresees 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," Ishbia mentioned, indicating long-term plans that may also accommodate a future hockey team.
The Coyotes' Journey
The Arizona Coyotes' relocation marks the end of a turbulent era for the franchise. They spent their final seasons at Mullett Arena, a 5,000-seat facility on Arizona State University's campus in Tempe. The relatively small venue was a stark contrast to the larger arenas typical in the NHL, highlighting the struggles the team faced in recent years.
Alex Meruelo, the previous owner, sold the Coyotes for $1.2 billion, signaling a major transition for the team and a fresh start in Salt Lake City. The decision to move opens new opportunities for Utah's sports market while leaving a gap in Arizona's.
Future Prospects
With Ishbia's vested interest and the community's support, the prospect of bringing hockey back to Arizona is more than a distant hope. His leadership has already resulted in considerable improvements for the city's sports infrastructure and the overall fan experience.
As Arizona's sports landscape evolves, Ishbia's proactive approach and the potential for a new arena could pave the way for the revival of professional hockey in the region. While the departure of the Coyotes marks the end of an era, Ishbia's vision offers a glimmer of anticipation for fans eager to see the sport make a triumphant return.
The path forward requires strategic planning, community involvement, and significant investment. However, if past endeavors are any indication, Mat Ishbia seems poised to play a central role in ensuring that the puck will once again drop in the Grand Canyon State.