Mat Ishbia seeks full control of WNBA's Phoenix Mercury amid controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 5:05 PM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Mat Ishbia, owner of both the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, is finalizing a deal to buy out the remaining minority shareholders, increasing the Ishbia family's control to nearly 99%. This development comes at a time when the WNBA is embroiled in discussions over transgender athlete eligibility, which were raised during a recent task force meeting. The Mercury, currently struggling in the standings, sit at 10th place with a record of 13-22 and have added player Kelsey Plum ahead of the playoffs. Diana Taurasi, a Mercury legend, has expressed interest in joining the team's ownership group in the next one or two years. The buyout follows previous tensions between Ishbia and minority shareholders regarding a capital call.
- •Ishbia aims to buy out minority shareholders of the Mercury.
- •WNBA addressing transgender athlete eligibility amid recent controversy.
- •Mercury currently in 10th place, seven games out of playoffs.
- •Kelsey Plum added to the roster in August.
- •Diana Taurasi may join ownership in the coming years.
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — NBA owner makes major move with WNBA stake amid growing transgender controversy
"Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia is reportedly set to buy out the remaining minority shareholders, taking the Ishbia family’s ownership of both franchises to almost 99%. United Wholesale Mortgage confirmed the move in a statement obtained by Bloomberg, bringing another major change to a Mercury franchise already dealing with plenty of off-court attention.
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