NBA billionaire breathes new life into Arizona Coyotes
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Resurrecting hockey in the desert: Matt Ishbia's vision for a new Phoenix NHL team.
The fate of hockey in Arizona took a dramatic turn recently, as the Arizona Coyotes were relocated to Utah under new ownership led by Ryan Smith and Smith Entertainment Group.
This move marked a significant shift in the sports landscape of the region, leaving many fans disheartened about the future of NHL hockey in the desert.
Former owner Alex Meruelo's attempts to sustain the Coyotes in Arizona proved unsuccessful, casting doubts on the viability of professional hockey in the state.
Yet, just as the dust seemed to settle on the Coyotes' saga, a new chapter is poised to begin, thanks to NBA owner Matt Ishbia.
Matt Ishbia, the current owner of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, has expressed a keen interest in reviving NHL hockey in Phoenix.
" Mat Ishiba has expressed interest in bringing an NHL franchise back to Phoenix, Arizona 🇺🇸 as an expansion franchise.
Ishiba wouldn't comment on if he has already had talks with the NHL, but if discussions advance in the next few years alongside plans for a new arena, it wouldn't surprise many to see the Phoenix market re-added to the league within the next ten years.
The league retained the branding rights to the Coyotes when Meruelo conceded his rights to the franchise earlier this month, which could be sold to Ishbia as part of an expansion deal.
The 44-year old is the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage, and is the owner of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) 🇺🇸 and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) 🇺🇸
He is worth $10.1b as of May 2024. "
Ishiba wouldn't comment on if he has already had talks with the NHL, but if discussions advance in the next few years alongside plans for a new arena, it wouldn't surprise many to see the Phoenix market re-added to the league within the next ten years.
The league retained the branding rights to the Coyotes when Meruelo conceded his rights to the franchise earlier this month, which could be sold to Ishbia as part of an expansion deal.
The 44-year old is the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage, and is the owner of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) 🇺🇸 and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) 🇺🇸
He is worth $10.1b as of May 2024. "
Although Ishbia has not yet initiated formal discussions with the NHL, the potential for a new franchise in Phoenix sparks a beacon of hope for fans and the local community alike.
The Phoenix market, still reeling from the departure of the Coyotes, would likely embrace the return of the NHL with open arms.
With Ishbia's background in successful sports management and his significant financial resources, his involvement could bring about a renaissance of hockey in Arizona.
Plans for a new arena as part of an expansion strategy could further solidify the viability and long-term success of the team.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on Ishbia's next moves in what could be a transformative era for hockey in Phoenix.
The prospect of a new team, possibly carrying the Coyotes' legacy forward under new stewardship, offers a thrilling prospect for the sports community.
In the interim, fans and analysts alike remain watchful and optimistic, anticipating the potential rebirth of their beloved sport in the desert landscape of Phoenix, where the spirit of hockey refuses to fade away.
Source: Marker Zone
Arizona billionaire and NBA owner begins plan to bring back the Coyotes
Arizona billionaire and NBA owner begins plan to bring back the Coyotes
| POLL | ||
25 JUILLET | 23 ANSWERS NBA billionaire breathes new life into Arizona Coyotes Do you think Matt Ishiba could resurrect the Arizona Coyotes successfully? | ||
| Yes | 8 | 34.8 % |
| No | 15 | 65.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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