Study: Owner of Suns expresses desire to revive NHL in Arizona
The owner of the Phoenix Suns, Mat Ishbia, is determined to revive hockey in Arizona, according to a report by Sportico on Wednesday.
Arizona is currently without an NHL team after the Coyotes moved to Salt Lake City after the 2023-24 season. The team will have a new name for the 2025-26 season, but for now, they will be known as the Utah Hockey Club.
\"I will definitely be involved in the community, and if I can help bring hockey back, I will consider it,\" Ishbia told Sportico. \"It's something that interests me. It's a city with four major sports teams. I am disappointed that we don't have a hockey team, but I understand the circumstances and we will try to fix that one day.\"
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Ishbia, who is 44 years old, also owns the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA.
The WNBA All-Star Game was held at Footprint Center, home of the Mercury, on Saturday. Ishbia also funded a new $100 million women's practice facility behind the arena.
\"I believe our arena is top-notch right now. I love our arena,\" Ishbia said about Footprint Center. \"But eventually, we will need to build a new arena.\"
The Coyotes played their games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, Arizona from 2022-24.
According to the report by Sportico, Ishbia did not disclose if he was in talks with the NHL, and the league has also remained silent. If hockey does return to Arizona, Ishbia plans to build the new arena in downtown Phoenix.
Former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo sold the team for $1.2 billion.
