Mat Ishbia's Ambitious Vision: Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
As the 2023-24 NHL season draws to a close, one of the most significant shifts in the hockey landscape will be the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City. The franchise, set to rebrand as the Utah Hockey Club, will commence its inaugural season in 2025-26. While this move marks the end of a hockey chapter for Arizona, it may not be the final page. Enter Mat Ishbia, the dynamic owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, who is already making waves with his visions of reviving hockey in the Grand Canyon State.
Mat Ishbia's tenure as an influential sports owner in Arizona has been marked by his fervent commitment to the community and the development of top-notch facilities. "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. 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 expressed in an interview with Sportico. His passion for the city's sports culture is evident, and his intentions to reintegrate hockey into the local scene reflect a broader ambition to make Phoenix a hub for major sports.
The departure of the Coyotes comes after their stint playing home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, a far cry from an ideal long-term home for an NHL team. Since acquiring the team for $1.2 billion, former owner Alex Meruelo attempted various strategies to enhance the team's standing, but challenges persisted, leading to the inevitable move to Salt Lake City. Despite this, Ishbia remains undeterred and sees an opportunity to remedy the absence of a hockey team in Arizona.
The Footprint Center, which Ishbia's Suns and Mercury call home, has been at the heart of his efforts to enrich the sports infrastructure in Phoenix. Recently, the arena hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, a testament to its world-class amenities. Additionally, Ishbia spearheaded the construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center, underscoring his dedication to supporting women’s sports and creating top-tier facilities.
While the Footprint Center is held in high regard, Ishbia recognizes the necessity of forward-thinking enhancements. "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, hinting at long-term plans that could potentially include a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate future hockey endeavors. His vision for an advanced arena aligns with his broader strategy to elevate the sports experience in Phoenix.
Through Ishbia's stewardship, the Phoenix Suns and Mercury have flourished, supported by an engaged fan base and robust community backing. This momentum could serve as a strong foundation for the reintroduction of professional hockey, fostering a diverse sports ecosystem in Phoenix. The concept of a "four-sport town" is very much alive in Ishbia's plans, and his willingness to explore every avenue to bring hockey back demonstrates his comprehensive approach to sports management.
As the Utah Hockey Club prepares for its debut in Salt Lake City, the absence of an NHL team in Arizona will undoubtedly be felt. However, Mat Ishbia's proactive posture offers a beacon of hope for hockey enthusiasts in the state. His track record, characterized by significant investments and a genuine connection to the local sports community, positions him as a pivotal figure capable of orchestrating hockey's return to Arizona.
Ultimately, Mat Ishbia's drive and commitment to making Phoenix a premier sports city are indispensable in the quest to revive hockey in Arizona. Although the immediate future will see the Coyotes settle into their new home, the seeds of a hockey renaissance in Phoenix have been sown. With Ishbia at the helm, the prospect of an NHL team once again gracing Arizona ice is not a matter of if, but when.