Despite recent rumblings about Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s reported financial turmoil, Ishbia is reportedly in “zero” danger of having to sell the team. At least for now, though, Ishbia’s position as majority owner of the Suns is safe, according to reporting from the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin (subscription required).
Ishbia's tenure with the Suns has been eventful
While many Suns fans were thrilled when former owner Robert Sarver opted to sell, there’s rarely been a dull moment with Ishbia at the helm. There’s certainly been a lot of good. Chiefly, bringing more television access to fans by airing Suns games over the air on Arizona’s Family, and Ishbia’s decision to lower some arena food costs by creating a $2 value menu for fans.
But while Ishbia has made a number of popular moves with fans in mind, he’s faced his share of eyebrow-raising headlines as well. Minority owners claimed in November 2025 that Ishbia was using the franchise as his “personal piggy bank,” a claim levied well before more recent reports that Ishbia’s company (United Wholesale Mortgage, Inc.) reported $452 million in losses for Q2 of this year.
It’s certainly a family affair for Ishbia, whose Michigan State ties are already well documented. He’s no doubt molded the Suns into his image by adding GM Brian Gregory, head coach Jordan Ott, player development coach Mateen Cleaves, and new trade acquisition Miles Bridges — all guys with MSU connections.
That vision appears to be safe, at least for the time being.
Suns are moving ahead as planned
The Suns moved quickly this offseason to not only bring back their own free agents in breakout point guard Collin Gillespie, injury-prone center Mark Williams, and Dan Majerle Hustle Award winner Jordan Goodwin on team-friendly deals, but also went out and signed former Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooter Luke Kennard. All he did was lead the league in 3-point percentage a season ago.
Despite all the off-court distractions facing Ishbia, his front office remains committed to retaining talent for continuity while also adding in fresh faces as a means to mix things up and not stagnate where they are.
Ishbia has his detractors, but at least to this point, fans can't say he's not willing to spend. The Brooks extension, especially, shows a commitment to a changing culture and making the NBA squad feel more like a college program. The early returns led to Phoenix shattering expectations in 2025-26.
While the business-minded will be keeping an eye on Ishbia’s portfolio in the coming years, he at least seems to have enough runway to see what he can build throughout the remainder of the Booker era in Phoenix.
Whether the team can compete for a championship in that window remains to be seen.
Add us as a preferred source on Google