PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns continue to sign long-term extensions with their team, this time in the front office. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday morning that the franchise has reached an agreement on an extension with CEO Josh Bartelstein. The former University of Michigan walk on was owner Mat Ishbia’s first hire and the duo worked together to completely change the culture of basketball in the Valley.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ishbia had plenty of wonderful words to say about his business partner’s new deal.
May 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein looks on during the first half of the game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Ishbia on Bartlestein’s extension:
“From day one, I knew Josh was the right person to help build the culture and organization that I envisioned in Phoenix – on and off the court. He is my trusted partner in every aspect of our basketball (Suns and Mercury) operations and business side as well. His knowledge of basketball, care for our players and the strong relationships he has across the NBA and WNBA have been invaluable in building our success and will continue to shape our future. His leadership has elevated our entire organization.
“He is one of the best CEO’s in all of sports, and happens to be one of the youngest too, and I’m excited to keep working next to Josh as we continue to build on our success.”
Oct 2, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left), general manager James Jones (center) and CEO Josh Bartelstein poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
At 37 years old, Bartelstein has quickly rose the ranks of NBA front office positions. He started with the Detroit Pistons, and quickly became executive VP of business and basketball. The success in Motor City opened up doors in Phoenix to change not only the Suns, but the Mercury as well. Despite some early turbulence, Bartelstein and Ishbia has led the charge of growing the game in Arizona.
The Suns had one of the biggest one season turn arounds last season, and the Mercury are coming off a Finals appearance in 2025. After the Robert Sarver scandal, the vibes surrounding basketball in Phoenix was in the pits of despair, but Ishbia and his staff in three years has quickly shifted the narrative and atmosphere into something to be proud of, leading to Bartelstein’s extension.
Mercury forward Satou Sabally holds her jersey with general manager Nick U’Ren along with coach Nate Tibbetts, guard Kahleah Copper and Josh Bartelstein, CEO Suns and Mercury, during a news conference at the Phoenix Mercury Practice Facility after signing as a free agent in Phoenix on Feb. 4, 2025.
What Phoenix hasn’t had in recent memory is momentum, stacking back-to-back productive seasons. For the Mercury, they have failed so far by being 8-13 into the year. Can retaining a core piece of the front office to a long-term deal help ensure that same fall off doesn’t happen to the Suns? Basketball fans in the Valley hope heading into 2026-2027.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
