Phoenix Suns' owner Mat Ishbia is embarking on an ambitious mission to rejuvenate Arizona's sports landscape by reintroducing hockey to the state. With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 campaign, there's a noticeable void in Arizona's sports community that Ishbia is keen to fill.
A Vision for Hockey in Arizona
Mat Ishbia, a notable figure in the sports world, owning both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a strong commitment to the community. "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."
The Arizona Coyotes, who called the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena at Arizona State's campus in Tempe home from 2022 to 2024, will transition to become the Utah Hockey Club. Their inaugural season under the new name is slated for 2025-26, marking the end of an era for the Coyotes in Arizona. Alex Meruelo's sale of the Coyotes for a staggering $1.2 billion signals significant changes in the hockey landscape.
Commitment to Excellence
Ishbia's dedication to sports in Arizona is evident from his latest ventures, which include substantial investments in facilities. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently showcased its capacity by hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. In addition, a $100 million women's practice facility now lies behind the Footprint Center, underlining the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports infrastructure under Ishbia's stewardship.
Despite the anticipated departure of the Coyotes, Ishbia remains optimistic about the Footprint Center's capabilities. "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, indicating future plans for enhancements that could further boost Phoenix's sports credentials.
A Growing Legacy
Mat Ishbia's deep involvement in Arizona's sports scene aligns with his broader vision of fostering a thriving sports culture in the state. His dual ownership of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury places him at a unique vantage point where influence meets intention.
The recent milestones at the Footprint Center, notably the WNBA All-Star Game and the development of top-tier facilities, stand as a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision and a commitment to community engagement. As Ishbia explores the possibility of reintroducing hockey to Arizona, the momentum built through these initiatives could serve as a solid foundation for his ambitions.
The Path Forward
With the curtain set to close on the Coyotes' tenure in Arizona, the spotlight turns to Mat Ishbia and his efforts to restore the state's status as a four-sport town. The blend of strategic investments and community-centric vision could very well see the return of hockey, much to the delight of Arizona’s sports enthusiasts.
Mat Ishbia’s journey is reflective of a broader narrative in sports where visionary leadership meets an unwavering commitment to community and excellence. As the story unfolds, the prospect of hockey returning to Arizona, driven by Ishbia's passion and pragmatic approach, seems not just hopeful, but achievable.