Fansided

Does Mat Ishbia’s Suns purchase include the Phoenix Mercury?

By Zackery Rogers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 27: Head coach Vanessa Nygaard of the Phoenix Mercury reacts during the second half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Fever 83-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 27: Head coach Vanessa Nygaard of the Phoenix Mercury reacts during the second half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Fever 83-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Robert Sarver reportedly reached an agreement to sell the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury to Mat and Justin Ishbia for $4 billion.

ESPN broke the news that Robert Sarver had found a buyer for the Phoenix Suns — Mat Ishbia and his brother Justin. Now that both parties have reached an agreement, they are waiting for the approval of the NBA.

The deal provides a majority stake in ownership for the Ishbia brothers and this is the biggest deal for an NBA and WNBA team collectively.

Mat is a former Michigan State basketball player who won a national title as a walk-on in 2000. Currently, he is the Chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. The Michigan State University graduate joined the firm after graduating in 2003 and became the CEO in 2013. He also owns over 50 percent of the company, while Justin owns a smaller stake as well.

If this deal is approved by the NBA, Mat will serve as the governor of the franchise and Justin will serve as the alternate governor.

Robert Sarver’s exit

After 18 years, Sarver decided to sell the Mercury and the Suns due to findings being released by an investigation of a hostile work environment, mistreatment of employees, and culture/racial insensitivity. Sarver spoke highly of Mat Ishbia and what he could possibly bring to this franchise as the owner (if approved by the NBA).

“Mat is the right leader to build on franchise legacies of winning and community support and shepherd the Suns and Mercury into the next era,” said Sarver.

What about the Phoenix Mercury?

Clearly, a lot of people focus on the Suns being purchased but the true question remains, what about the Mercury? Often times when WNBA teams are sold, the effort and energy between both franchises by ownership are not equal.

The Mercury have been more successful than the Suns as they have made 14 playoff appearances (10 consecutive), four WNBA finals berths, and three championships. On the other hand, the Suns have only had seven playoff appearances, four Western Conferences appearances, and one NBA finals berth.

If the NBA approves this sale, Mat’s soft skills will need to be sharp as he will inherit a franchise with a lot of moving parts.

Brittney Griner was released from Russia on Dec. 8 after being wrongly detained for 10 months. She announced recently that she plans to play in the 2023 WNBA season.

Diana Taurasi announced that she plans to return for her 19th season. Not to mention, the franchise will be entering its second season with Vanessa Nygaard at the helm as head coach.

The Ishbia brothers will have their hands full this season as they will be tasked with creating a healthy organizational culture, a winning environment, and a safe work environment.

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