Uncategorized

Suns Ownership: We’re Not Leaving Phoenix

Phoenix Suns fans should be relieved to hear that the franchise will be sticking around the Valley. Rumors were circulating recently that the owner threatened to move the team to either Las Vegas or Seattle unless the Phoenix City Council renovated the Talking Stick Resort Arena.    But, according to owner Robert Sarver, moving the team out of state will only be a last-resort option. 

He said in a video statement, “First and foremost, the Phoenix Suns are not leaving Phoenix. I am 100 percent committed, and have been for the last four years, to find a solution keep them in downtown Phoenix where they belong. I am a strong proponent, as evidenced by the term sheet that I signed last week, that we should renovate the Talking Stick Resort Arena and once again restore it to a world-class facility. In addition, it is important for the Phoenix Suns to build a first-class practice facility, so the players of the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury can continue to develop. I am 100 percent all-in in keeping this team right here where we stand, and I want to make sure that message comes across crystal clear to every one of you.” 

The team was created in 1968 and has been playing their home games at Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix since 1992. The Phoenix City Council is seeking input from residents on whether to allocate $150 million toward a $230 million overall renovation to include the repair and replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure.


Although the Suns’ arena contract with the city doesn’t expire until the end of 2032, they could opt as soon as 2022 if certain conditions aren’t met by the city. The council is scheduled to discuss the proposal and possibly vote on January 23.