Will the Coyotes return to Arizona? Mat Ishbia's comment about 'four sport state' sparks rumors

We think it's pretty non-comittal, but knowing Ishbia anything's possible.

PUBLISHED JUL 24, 2024

Plans to build a new arena in Phoenix proper fell through.

Phoenix, Arizona: With rumors flying around like hockey pucks that Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia may be considering bringing the Arizona Coyotes and the NHL back to the state, it's a good idea to brush up on what's been going on...just in case.

What did Ishbia actually say about bringing hockey back to the state?

In an interview with Sportico, Ishbia said: "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.” So make of that what you willm we think it's pretty non-comittal, but knowing Ishbia anything's possible.

What exactly did happen to the Coyotes?

The Coyotes left Arizona for Utah, where they became the dazzlingly named Utah Hockey Club, for a myriad of reasons.

The Coyotes faced problems with their arena situation. The team previously played in Glendale's Gila River Arena but faced difficulties with the city over lease agreements and financial terms. Plans to build a new arena in Phoenix proper fell through after the Arizona Land Commission blocked an auction for the land intended for the new facility.

Is getting the team back to Arizona easy?

Well, it certainly isn't cut-and-dry. The NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman might require Ishbia to wait for an expansion franchise and then make the push, but seeing what Ishbia has done for Arizona sports, this might not be as hard as it sounds.

What has Ishbia done for Arizona sports?

For one he's the owner of two of Arizona's largest sports franchises -- the Mercury and the Suns. And he certainly isn't one of those team owners who buys a team so he can milk it dry, Ishbia has invested heavily not just in the teams but in the local sporting community as well. Ishbia owns the Footprint Center, which recently underwent a $230 million renovation and his investments include a new $100 million Mercury practice facility and a G-League basketball team.

Does Ishibia have the financial might to get the NHL back to Arizona?

Her certainly does. With an estimated net worth of $10.1 billion as of 2024, for the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage, money should not be an issue.