PHOENIX – Taking matters into his own hands, Phoenix Suns and Mercury Owner Mat Ishbia has been vocal about making sure he is overseeing everything with his full involvement.
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Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker sits with Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia during the game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mat Ishbia has only been the owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury for a short time, but he’s already making it clear that he wants to be more involved. The former college basketball player turned billionaire doesn’t see ownership as just sitting courtside. For Ishbia, it’s about putting his fingerprints on the culture, the roster, and the direction of the franchise. Ishbia recently said in an interview that he is going to be way more involved with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. “If people don’t want me involved they’re not gonna want to cheer for the Suns or Mercury because now I’m involved… I’m gonna do it the way I believe” (Credit: PHNX Suns)
Mat Ishbia says he is going to be “involved” in running the Phoenix Suns and Mercury
“If people don’t want me involved they’re not gonna want to cheer for the Suns or Mercury because now I’m involved… I’m gonna do it the way I believe”
(Via @PHNX_Suns, h/t @dbookownsyou) pic.twitter.com/KDkmKKutGI
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 15, 2025
Mat Ishbia’s recent history with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury:
Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia wasted little time making headlines, as his front office pulled off blockbuster deals to bring Kevin Durant and later Bradley Beal to Phoenix. The massive move didn’t pan out and ended in disastrous fashion, and now some question how beneficial would it be for the Suns and Mercury if Ishbia’s involvement grows. Moves like that don’t happen though without an owner who’s aggressive and willing to back up his vision with resources. It sent a message across the league, the Suns aren’t waiting around, they’re fighting to be in contention.
Mercury owner Mat Ishbia announces the Ring of Honor proceedings during the home opener at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
This matters for Phoenix Suns fans specifically in many ways, as they have seen plenty of highs and lows over these recent years. The Suns reached the Finals in 2021, but the window to win at the highest level is never guaranteed. Having an owner who’s engaged and invested gives the organization a different kind of stability. Ishbia isn’t just talking about building a winner, he’s showing it with action.
Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia speaks to the press during the grand opening of the Mercury’s new practice facility on Thursday, July 18, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The NBA is shifting toward owners who want to be part of the story, not just behind it. Owners such as Steve Ballmer with the Clippers, who have remained active owners while being the face behind the culture change often set the tone for how a franchise operates. Ishbia’s desire to be hands-on puts him right in that mix. For the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, that could mean bold decisions and a future shaped by a leader who refuses to settle.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
