Mat Ishbia's Vision: Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is eyeing a significant expansion in Arizona's sports landscape. In a recent interview with Sportico, Ishbia expressed his desire to reintroduce professional hockey to the region, filling a void that the imminent departure of the Arizona Coyotes will create. "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 stated.
The Departure of the Coyotes
The Coyotes, who have struggled with arena issues and financial instability, will relocate to Salt Lake City after the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. This marks the end of a troubled chapter for the franchise, which has called the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe its home since 2022. The relocation is a significant loss for Arizona's sports fans, but it also opens up potential opportunities for the future.
Looking Ahead: The Utah Hockey Club
In their new incarnation, the Coyotes will be known as the Utah Hockey Club, set to make its debut in the 2025-26 season. The change comes with high hopes and a fresh start, bolstered by the ownership transition. Alex Meruelo, the former owner, sold the team for a substantial sum of $1.2 billion, paving the way for new beginnings both for the franchise and its supporters in Utah.
Footprint Center's Role in Phoenix's Sports Culture
Meanwhile, the Footprint Center in Phoenix remains a bustling nucleus of sports activity. Recently hosting the WNBA All-Star Game, the arena is more than equipped to handle high-profile events. Ishbia himself praised the venue, although he hinted at 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." The commitment to excellence is also evident with the construction of a $100 million women's practice facility behind the Footprint Center, reinforcing Phoenix's position as a premier sports city.
A Personal Commitment to Community
Mat Ishbia's vision is not confined to just basketball and women's sports. His dual ownership of both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury showcases his belief in the community's potential and his willingness to invest in its future. As a significant figure in the city's sports scene, Ishbia's comments suggest he sees a similar potential for the return of a hockey team that the community can call its own once more.
Conclusion
While the departure of the Arizona Coyotes is inevitably disappointing for many fans, Mat Ishbia's commitment to reintroducing professional hockey to Arizona offers a glimmer of hope. His investment in the community and its sports infrastructure, combined with his forward-thinking approach, could very well see the revival of hockey in Arizona, making it once again a four-sport town. As plans unfold, the promise of a new hockey future in Arizona remains an exciting prospect under Ishbia's ambitious guidance.