PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia isn’t one to stay quiet when it comes to people betting against his team.
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Dec 31, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia applauds during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
On Tuesday, Ishbia responded to sports media personality Bill Simmons’ preview of the team’s upcoming season. Simmons predicted the Suns would have the worst defense in the league, which was a take that didn’t sit well with Ishbia.
“@BillSimmons, you and your crew have some good takes and some that are terrible,” Ishbia posted on X (formerly Twitter). ” You’re the betting guru and even you know better than to actually take this bet.”
.@BillSimmons, you and your crew have some good takes and some that are terrible. You’re the betting guru and even you know better than to actually take this bet. Tell you what, go put your money on this take. When you lose, I will donate the same amount to charity of your… https://t.co/dCLMUdtbMz
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) October 22, 2025
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
While many owners tend to distance themselves from social media, Ishbia has always leaned into it and given his own thoughts.
Ishbia’s leadership is reflected in his responses, consistently standing up for his team. It’s the shift the Suns have felt since he arrived in 2023. He also connects with fans in this way, especially in this case, as many have supported his response and rallied behind the owner’s assertiveness.
.@BillSimmons, you and your crew have some good takes and some that are terrible. You’re the betting guru and even you know better than to actually take this bet. Tell you what, go put your money on this take. When you lose, I will donate the same amount to charity of your… https://t.co/dCLMUdtbMz
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) October 22, 2025
Cook him Mat 😭😭😭
— Thomas 🏀⚾️ (@ThomasBuckets78) October 22, 2025
Same thing media said about @PhoenixMercury. See where we ended up.
Can’t wait for the season to begin. We’re shocking them all 🔥— Victor Adeleke Afolayan (@RephidimC) October 22, 2025
Ishbia is the second greatest thing to ever happen to Arizona Sports.
He could go down as the greatest if he ever brings back the Coyotes… https://t.co/kp4ZslUcj4
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) October 22, 2025
However, Simmons’ skepticism isn’t out of the blue. The Suns had a rocky season last year, despite having star power in Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. Injuries and inconsistency from Phoenix’s stars hindered production and the team missed the playoffs as a result.
Ishbia’s call to action is the calling of a new era. The Suns have retooled their team through trades and draft picks, including a new head coach. His comments reinforce the promise of delivering a better product on the court this season after an underwhelming performance last year. Ishbia cares about delivering results.
Whether Simmons takes the bet or not is still in the air, but the Suns aren’t prepared to let preseason predictions define them.
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
They’re playing for a broader purpose: To be better than they were a year ago.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
