Phoenix City Council approves Talking Stick Resort Arena $230 million renovation deal

After some initial controversy last month that involved alleged threats from owner Robert Sarver, the Phoenix Suns’ worries for an arena are no longer.

The Phoenix City Council passed the $230 million renovation plan for Talking Stick Resort Arena, which extends their lease through the 2037 season, with a 6-2 vote. Also, the Suns will now receive their own practice facility separate from their longstanding arena sometime within the next few years.

In case you missed it, here’s the major details you should know for this now accepted deal:

• The city of Phoenix will pay $150 million while the Suns spend $80 million plus any additional expenses.
• Suns will build a new practice facility estimated between $25-50 million.
• Now with a commitment through 2037, which includes an option to extend through 2042, the Suns stay around.
• If somehow the team were to leave Phoenix before this lease ends, the face a $200 million fine.

No need to fret anymore about the Seattle or Las Vegas Suns, everybody. With 51 seasons in the books already, we get another few guaranteed decades of basketball in the Valley.

As Vice President of Basketball Operations James Jones spoke about with donors for our fourth annual Bright Side Night earlier this month, he mentioned this arena renovation being passed as “imperative” due to it’s impact on bringing talent to Phoenix. We’ll see how it impacts their long-term plans with that decision now in the rear view mirror.