PHOENIX, AZ – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has orchestrated a stunning return to power by purchasing the team he once sold—this time for a record-breaking $7 billion. The blockbuster deal, finalized late Friday night, marks a dramatic and unexpected shift in the NBA’s ownership landscape as the league prepares for the 2025-2026 season.
Sarver, who sold his controlling interest in the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury to billionaire mortgage executive Mat Ishbia in 2023 amid controversy and public pressure, has now reemerged with one of the most expensive buybacks in sports history. The $7 billion price tag far exceeds the $4 billion Ishbia reportedly paid just two years ago, setting a new benchmark for franchise valuations across the league.
A Stunning Reversal
NBA insiders are calling the move one of the most improbable comebacks in professional sports. Sarver’s return comes after his highly publicized exit, which followed an NBA investigation that revealed a workplace culture of misconduct under his tenure. At the time, public and league pressure led Sarver to reluctantly put the team on the market.
In the years since, Sarver maintained a low public profile, but sources close to the deal suggest he had been exploring ways to return to the league. According to reports, Sarver quietly began negotiating with Ishbia earlier this spring, eventually offering a sum too significant to turn down.
“Robert was adamant about making this happen,” said one anonymous source with direct knowledge of the transaction. “He wanted back in—he wanted the Suns back. And $7 billion spoke volumes.”
Ishbia’s Short-Lived Era Ends Abruptly
Mat Ishbia’s brief tenure as owner of the Suns was marked by aggressive moves to build a championship contender. He famously orchestrated blockbuster trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but the results on the court failed to meet expectations. The Suns were eliminated early in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, sparking criticism of Ishbia’s win-now philosophy.
Despite early enthusiasm, Ishbia’s front office decisions—including a carousel of head coaches and heavy luxury tax spending—drew scrutiny. Analysts suggest that rising costs, pressure to win immediately, and shifting business interests outside of basketball may have made the $7 billion offer too attractive to pass up.
“Mat had big ambitions and wasn’t afraid to spend,” said ESPN NBA analyst Brian Windhorst. “But when you can triple your investment in two years, it’s hard to say no—especially when you’re facing pressure from multiple angles.”
League Reaction and Fan Response
The NBA has confirmed it has approved the transaction, noting that while Sarver’s past raised serious concerns, the league has reviewed new commitments made by him regarding organizational culture and compliance. Commissioner Adam Silver released a brief statement acknowledging the sale and emphasizing the league’s continued focus on workplace conduct standards.
Reaction from fans has been mixed. Some Suns supporters, still bitter about Sarver’s prior leadership, expressed outrage on social media, accusing the NBA of prioritizing money over accountability. Others, however, are intrigued by the prospect of stability returning to the front office after two turbulent seasons.
“I never thought I’d see Sarver back,” one longtime fan tweeted. “But if he learned from his mistakes and wants to bring us a title, maybe it’s worth watching.”
What’s Next for the Suns?
The blockbuster buyback raises immediate questions about the future of the franchise. With the 2025 NBA Draft just weeks away and free agency looming, all eyes will be on Sarver and whether he plans to keep GM James Jones and current head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Sources suggest sweeping changes could be on the horizon, as Sarver seeks to reestablish control and potentially pivot away from the superteam model embraced by Ishbia. Some insiders believe Sarver may look to recalibrate the roster around rising stars and youth, focusing on sustainable team development rather than splashy trades.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Suns,” said former NBA executive Bobby Marks. “Ownership changes this close to the season are rare—and rarely smooth. But Sarver now has a second chance, and the whole basketball world will be watching.”
As the dust settles on this seismic offseason transaction, one thing is clear: the Phoenix Suns are once again under the control of a man whose legacy in the Valley of the Sun is as complex as it is controversial. Whether Robert Sarver can rewrite that legacy remains the central question of this new and stunning chapter in NBA history.
