The Phoenix Suns held their media day on Wednesday ahead of the 2025-26 season, and owner Mat Ishbia had a lot to say. He was upfront about the failures of the last iteration of this team, although there was some confusion on what exactly will constitute a successful season this time out as he couldn't make up his mind on if winning games is important or not.
Ishbia did also bring up the fact that - as fan experiences go - The Valley has it pretty good. Prices around Footprint Center have been lowered during his time in charge, while he was high on the fact that fans can get into games two hours ahead of tip-off, as opposed to the 90 minutes of other teams. Something he referenced a few times.
Ishbia forgot to give fans a good team to cheer for each night.
The owner of both the Suns and Mercury was also quick to point out that being able to watch the teams for free in Arizona is another massive win not experienced in essentially every other market, and he is right about that. Ishbia is big on trying to inspire the next generation of fans - and through his commitment to not pricing the average fan out - he is backing up his talk.
Yet in giving all of these examples as to why the fans are being looked after, Ishbia forgot to mention the most important aspect of the experience for those who support the Suns. Actually having a roster on the court that is exciting and tries to win games, something which is going to take a back seat this season.
Contrast that with the last two campaigns - and despite having Kevin Durant to go with Devin Booker - it always felt like that special something was missing. It is hard to explain exactly what that was, although a lack of caring or trying to defend and take care of the basketball drove much of the fan base crazy as they fumbled the chance to contend for a title.
Compare that to the roster that went to the NBA Finals in 2021 - one that took its lumps on the way to doing so - and how much they were loved. The hope now is that Ishbia can re-create that magic from the past - and in having a fully formed superstar in Booker along for the ride - he has already solved the hardest part of this process.
His presence alone will sell tickets and merchandise, and the hope is that the youngsters around him evolve into this team's answer to Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. Even Cam Payne given the playoff heroics of him in the past. We know that this is going to take time, but it wouldn't hurt to hear Ishbia talk about actually trying to build a team the fans can truly get behind as well.