Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is not just making waves in the NBA and WNBA; he has his sights set on reviving hockey in Arizona. Ishbia, who also owns the Phoenix Mercury, has voiced his disappointment over the impending relocation of the Arizona Coyotes and expressed his interest in restoring the sport to the region.
Reviving Hockey in Arizona
In a candid conversation with Sportico, Ishbia did not mince words about his passion for making Arizona a bustling hub for all major sports. "I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," he said. "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."
His comments come at a time when the Arizona Coyotes are preparing to bid farewell to the state. The team will relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign and will begin its inaugural season under the new name, the Utah Hockey Club, in the 2025-26 season. The roster shake-up is significant for Arizona sports fans who have supported the Coyotes, even during their stint at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe from 2022 to 2024.
A Commitment to Excellence
Mat Ishbia's dedication to his sports franchises is evident. His tenure has already seen the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury thrive both on and off the court. The Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing its stature as a first-class venue. In addition, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the Footprint Center, further emphasizing Ishbia's commitment to providing top-notch resources for his teams.
Despite the commendations for the current facilities, Ishbia hinted at future ambitions for infrastructure development. "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 admitted. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates his vision for sustained excellence and growth.
The Financial Landscape
The financial backdrop to these developments is also noteworthy. The Coyotes were sold by Alex Meruelo for a hefty $1.2 billion, highlighting the substantial economic stakes involved in professional sports. This sale marks a significant shift in the business landscape of hockey and brings new opportunities and challenges for the franchises involved.
As the Coyotes transition to Salt Lake City, their departure leaves a void in Arizona's hockey scene. However, Ishbia's proactive stance and genuine interest in possibly bringing another hockey team to Arizona could very well change the narrative in the future. The state's sports community is eagerly watching how these unfolding events will shape the local sports culture.
Building for the Future
For now, Ishbia's primary focus remains with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. The emphasis on delivering high-quality experiences for fans and players alike speaks volumes about his leadership style. The investment in a state-of-the-art practice facility is a testament to his foresight and commitment to women's sports, signaling an inclusive growth trajectory for the clubs under his stewardship.
The departure of the Coyotes may indeed be a setback for Arizona sports fans, but with influential figures like Mat Ishbia ready to step up, the possibility of reviving hockey in the desert seems promising. His blend of passion, ambition, and business acumen might just be the catalyst needed to restore Arizona as a four-sport town, ensuring that the community continues to thrive and engage with a diverse array of sporting events.