Novel phosphorescent hydrogels have been explored by immobilizing an IrIII metal complex into the matrices of hydrogels. FTIR spectra demonstrate that the IrIIIPNaAMPS hydrogel is achieved by irreversible incorporation of positively charged [Ir(ppy)2(dmbpy)]Cl (ppy = 2-phenylpyrine, dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) into negatively charged poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium) (PNaAMPS) hydrogel via electrostatic interaction. The photoluminescent spectra indicate that the IrIIIPNaAMPS hydrogel exhibits stable phosphorescence. In vitro cultivation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells demonstrates the cytocompatibility of the IrIIIPNaAMPS hydrogel. This work herein represents a facile pathway for fabrication of phosphorescent hydrogels.