Sports News Report
League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Match Previews

Phoenix Suns owner faces pressure to sell amid business struggles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:24 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Phoenix Suns owner faces pressure to sell amid business struggles
Summary

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia could be under pressure to sell his NBA franchise following challenges with his business, United Wholesale Mortgage. The company may face a margin call from JPMorgan tied to Ishbia's use of UWM stock as collateral for the Suns purchase. UWM's stock has dropped significantly, potentially forcing Ishbia to sell equity stakes in the Suns, despite his previous efforts to buy a larger share of the team. Ishbia currently owns 87% of the franchise, and while selling is not his preferred outcome, financial instability may leave him with limited options.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Ishbia bought the Suns for $4 billion in 2023.
  • •UWM shares have dropped by 70% since the Suns purchase.
  • •Ishbia may need to repay approximately $2.3 billion in loans.
  • •He currently owns 87% of the Suns and wants to increase his stake.
  • •The pressure resembles the situation faced by Mark Walter with the LA Lakers.
Latest Updates
  • 5:24 AMYahoo Sports — Phoenix Suns owner might be pressured to sell his NBA franchise weeks after Mark Walter’s LA Lakers
What they're saying
"

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s recent issues in the business world could bring major NBA consequences to the 46-year-old. Ishbia purchased the Suns from controversial former owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion in 2023, promising to lead the franchise to a championship.

Related Teams & Leagues
Los Angeles LakersPhoenix SunsDenver NuggetsNBABasketball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days