The Coyotes’ former owner, Alex Meruelo, is no longer involved.
Now, all eyes are on Mat Ishbia, the Phoenix Suns’ owner, as he might bring an NHL team back to Phoenix. In a chat with Sportico’s Barry M. Bloom, Ishbia shared that he’s keen on acquiring a new hockey franchise for Phoenix. This would need a new arena since the Coyotes couldn’t secure one in the area and moved to Salt Lake City.
Ishbia knows this and wants to fix it. He mentioned to Bloom that building a new downtown arena is part of his long-term plan for both his Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury teams. Whether or not NHL expansion happens in Phoenix doesn’t change this goal. He expressed disappointment over losing the Coyotes but remains hopeful about bringing hockey back: “Phoenix is a four-sport town… and I hope that one day we’ll be able to get hockey back.”
The original plan did include bringing the NHL back after the Coyotes left. When Meruelo sold the team’s assets to Utah in April, there was an agreement allowing him five years to reactivate them if he built a suitable arena. However, his plans fell apart when a city auction for land was canceled due to zoning issues.
Future Prospects:
Bloom reported that Ishbia didn’t confirm whether he’s already talking with the NHL about this idea. The league also didn’t comment on it. But if talks progress alongside plans for a new arena in coming years, fans might see Phoenix rejoin the league within ten years.
Fans might think it’s exciting news because they miss having an NHL team in their city.
The league still owns the Coyotes’ branding rights after Meruelo gave up his claim earlier this month; these could be sold to Ishbia as part of any future expansion deal.
What do you think? Would you like hockey back in Phoenix?
