Mat Ishbia Eyes Bringing Hockey Back to Arizona
By [Journalist's Name]
As the Arizona Coyotes prepare for their final season in the desert, new ambitions arise to bring hockey back to Phoenix. Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has expressed a keen interest in ensuring the Valley of the Sun remains a four-sport town.
"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," Ishbia told Sportico. "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 Coyotes, currently gearing up for their relocation to Salt Lake City, have had a tumultuous history in Arizona. The team, which will be rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, is set to commence its inaugural season in the 2025-26 campaign. This move follows several years of uncertainty and transition for the Coyotes, who played their home games at Arizona State University's 5,000-seat Mullett Arena in Tempe from 2022 to 2024.
The sale of the Coyotes to Alex Meruelo for $1.2 billion marked a pivotal chapter in the franchise's history. The exodus of the Coyotes leaves a notable void in the local sports scene, especially at a time when the Footprint Center—a major landmark in downtown Phoenix—has been flourishing. The arena recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game and unveiled a $100 million women's practice facility, a testament to Ishbia's commitment to enhancing Phoenix’s sporting infrastructure.
"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," admitted Ishbia, hinting at future developments that could further transform the city's sporting landscape.
For the Phoenix Mercury, the Footprint Center has been more than just a venue; it's a home. The construction of the new practice facility signifies a substantial investment in women's sports and provides the Mercury with state-of-the-art resources to compete at the highest level. Ishbia's dual ownership of both the Suns and Mercury showcases his extensive influence and commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in Phoenix.
While the departure of the Coyotes is undeniably a setback for local hockey fans, Ishbia's dedication to reintroducing the sport brings a ray of hope. His vision for a dynamic four-sport town could rejuvenate the community's enthusiasm and reinstate hockey as an integral part of Phoenix's athletic identity.
As the Coyotes bid farewell, the intriguing prospect of a new professional hockey team in Phoenix remains a tantalizing possibility. With leaders like Ishbia at the helm, the future of hockey in the Valley may yet see a resurgence, promising an exciting chapter in the annals of Arizona sports.