The Phoenix Suns have endured an offseason of forced rebuilding, and even the most optimistic fan in The Valley would have to admit that the next several seasons are not going to feature a lot of winning. As long as this franchise has Devin Booker though - not to mention three incoming rookies who bring with them hope - then they will not have hit rock bottom.
It hasn't been a smooth summer for owner Mat Ishbia either. Having to buy out Bradley Beal hurt financially, while trading Kevin Durant for far less than they initially gave up for him after such little playoff success was not part of the plan either. Throw in some off the court issues regarding two minority owners from the Robert Sarver era still on board, and Ishbia has been in the trenches.
Free to air Suns and Mercury games in Arizona a massive boost for fans
One aspect of owning both the Suns and Phoenix Mercury that Ishbia was quick to get involved with once he was in charge was how he was going to get as many eyeballs on both teams in Arizona as possible. He always talked a big game about having the teams be on free-to-air stations in the state, and he has been true to his word with the below announcement.
Suns extending local partnership with Gray Media through 2028. #Suns pic.twitter.com/yypwPkylov
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 19, 2025
Having both teams available to all fans through 2028 is a massive win for The Valley, even if the Suns aren't going to be very good. The Mercury on the other hand most certainly are, and by the time you read this might just be heading to the Final Four of the WNBA Playoffs themselves.
Devin Booker is one of the most entertaining players in the league to watch, but the same is also true of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally of the Mercury. A nice added bonus here - and it is one for the hardcore among the fanbase - is having the Valley Suns of the G League also included in the package.
If you're deep on Suns ball, you'll know that's where backup point guard Collin Gillespie earned his stripes last season. You can also be sure that Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea are going to get some run there as well, and any opportunity to watch a first round pick improve is one that is worth taking. The next Gillespie is just waiting to be unearthed down there too.
So while the Suns aren't going to be very good for a little while, being able to tune in to watch them grow once again - and to be able to do it at no extra cost - is a nice touch. It is also in stark contrast to other markets such as Denver, where the Nuggets haven't been available to watch at times throughout the last number of seasons at all. Credit to Ishbia and his front office on this one.