Salt Lake City Welcomes Utah Hockey Club as Coyotes Plan Relocation
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has big plans underway, not only for his basketball franchises but also for the broader Arizona sports community. With the Arizona Coyotes set to relocate to Salt Lake City following the 2023-24 season, Ishbia has expressed keen interest in bringing a new hockey team back to Arizona.
Ishbia, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, is committed to the vibrant Arizona sports scene. "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. "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 comes as the Coyotes prepare to debut as the Utah Hockey Club for the 2025-26 season.
Transformations at the Footprint Center
The developments at the Footprint Center serve as a testament to Ishbia's investment in the local sports infrastructure. This popular venue, home to the Phoenix Mercury, recently hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, underscoring its status as a premier sports location. Additionally, a $100 million women's practice facility was constructed behind the Footprint Center, enhancing the training capabilities and support for female athletes.
As the Coyotes finalize their move, Ishbia is also considering future upgrades for the Footprint Center itself. "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," Ishbia noted. His vision for continuous improvement indicates a long-term commitment to keeping Phoenix on the map for top-tier sports events.
Coyotes’ Transitional Period
The Arizona Coyotes' journey to Salt Lake City marks the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. From 2022 to 2024, the Coyotes held their home games at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena on Arizona State's campus in Tempe, a temporary home that offered fans a unique and intimate hockey experience. However, the need for a more permanent and expansive facility became evident as the franchise looked to secure its future.
This transition was punctuated by the sale of the Coyotes. Alex Meruelo, the former owner, sold the team for $1.2 billion, setting the stage for the relocation and rebranding efforts culminating in the Utah Hockey Club's arrival in Salt Lake City.
A Vision for the Future
Amid these transitions, Ishbia's ambitions are not just about bringing hockey back to Arizona but also about redefining the local sports landscape. His dual ownership of the Suns and Mercury, coupled with influential moves, reflect his drive to make significant strides. By potentially reintroducing a hockey team to Arizona, Ishbia aims to ensure that the state remains a dynamic hub for major league sports.
The Coyotes’ shift to Salt Lake City adds another chapter to the multifaceted story of professional sports in the region. As the Utah Hockey Club prepares for its inaugural season in 2025-26, fans and stakeholders in both Arizona and Utah will watch closely, anticipating the growth and impacts of these significant changes.
With his sights set on multiple goals, including a possible arena upgrade and the vision of reestablishing hockey in Arizona, Ishbia's holistic approach underscores a dedication to elevating the stature of sports in the southwestern United States. His actions and ambitions will undoubtedly shape the future narratives of both hockey and basketball in this vibrant, sports-loving region.