Mat Ishbia Eyes Revival of Hockey in Arizona as Coyotes Move to Salt Lake City
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is eyeing an ambitious new goal: bringing hockey back to Arizona. This development comes amid news that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 campaign, where they will rebrand and begin their inaugural season as the Utah Hockey Club in the 2025-26 season.
The relocation marks the end of a contentious and challenging period for the Coyotes in Arizona. During their last years in the state, the team played their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, a far cry from major league standards. Alex Meruelo, former owner of the Coyotes, sold the team for a staggering $1.2 billion, sealing the decision for the move to Salt Lake City.
Such decisions and shifts often leave fans and communities in a state of flux, but Ishbia is not one to sit idly by. "I'm definitely going to be part of the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I'll look at that," he 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."
This declaration of intent is not entirely surprising coming from Ishbia, a businessman known for significant investments in sports facilities and infrastructure. Recently, the Footprint Center—home to the Phoenix Mercury—hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. In addition to being a hub of basketball activity, the venue saw an investment of $100 million for a state-of-the-art women's practice facility constructed behind its premises.
The Footprint Center, long-established in the city's sports landscape, might not be the arena Ishbia envisions for his hockey aspirations. "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 mentioned, hinting at broader plans under consideration.
Ishbia's dedication to sports extends beyond basketball, underscoring his commitment to fostering a multi-sport culture. His strategy could be pivotal in addressing the void left by the Coyotes' departure. Arizona, renowned for its diverse sports audiences, is largely considered a "four-sport town" with a rich history across major leagues, making the absence of a professional hockey team particularly notable.
While the ultimate success of Ishbia's hockey ambitions remains to be seen, his proactive stance offers a glimmer of hope for Arizona's hockey faithful. A successful endeavor would not only restore the sport's presence in the state but also contribute to the local economy, community engagement, and the overall vibrancy of Arizona's sports culture.
Until then, the state's hockey enthusiasts will have their eyes on Salt Lake City as the Utah Hockey Club embarks on a new chapter. Meanwhile, Ishbia's forward-thinking approach continues to shape the future of Arizona sports, reinforcing his reputation as a transformative figure in the industry.