A NEW ERA BEGINS! Ishbia approved as new owner of the Phoenix Suns

A new era of Phoenix Suns basketball is nearly upon us!

**Update: Mat Isbhia’s purchase of the Phoenix Suns for a $4 billion valuation — more than $2 billion in cash — has been approved unanimously (with one abstention) by all the other NBA owners.

Reportedly, one owner abstained from voting — Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers — while all the others approved. Ishbia, at 42 years old, is now the youngest NBA owner.

Mat Ishbia’s transaction for the purchase of the Phoenix Suns is expected to finalize by the close of business Tuesday, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. It will become the largest sale in NBA history once completed.

Here’s Gambo’s full story today.

Full report can be read here: Mat Ishbia’s purchase of Phoenix Suns set to be complete by Tuesday

ESPN’s Baxter Holmes initially reported that Ishbia’s introductory press conference is slated for the morning of February 8th, which lines up with the finalization by the end of the business day tomorrow.

The timing of the move is absolutely crucial with the NBA trade deadline coming this Thursday afternoon. Certain deals for the Suns could alter their luxury tax bill, and Mat Ishbia signing off on a larger payment gives Phoenix more possibilities in potential trade negotiations.

Removing Sarver from the situation ahead of the deadline was always the best case scenario, and it has come into fruition in an expedited process.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Ishbia is “eager to start his involvement with basketball operations and is expected to be a hands-on owner in matters of team building.”

Stakes/Shares Breakdown

Mat and his brother, Justin, are expected to own 57% of the team for a payment that values the Suns at a whopping $4 billion.

Three minority owners from the Suns’ current ownership group, including Jahm Najafi, will not be selling any of their shares.

Gambo reports that many of the remaining partners, however, are selling 25% of their stakes, which will triple their initial investments, and that only one minority owner has sold the entirety of their stake.

Soon-to-be former owner Robert Sarver owned 37% of the team, putting his outgoing check around ~$1.5 billion.

In additional Suns news, Baxter Holmes reported earlier today that President and CEO Jason Rowley resigned from the team. Rowley had been the Suns’ president and CEO since 2012 and was at the center of workplace misconduct allegations.

Ishbia will likely bring in his own flavor and personality into the Suns’ front office with external hires to help continue to improve the culture and workplace.

Some notable names have already leaked out, and we should learn more in the coming days as the sale gets finalized and during his press conference on Wednesday.