Multinational company and money platform PayPal announced on Friday that they won’t renew their jersey patch collaboration with the Phoenix Suns should Robert Sarver continue his role as the franchise’ owner following the fulfilment of his one-year suspension.
“PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination,” PayPal CEO and president Dan Schulman said in a statement. “We have reviewed the report of the NBA league’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values.
“… In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”
After nearly a year of investigation on the allegatios of misogyny, sexism and racism, Sarver was slapped by the NBA a one-year suspension from his onwership duties for both the Suns and Mercury franchise, a $10 million fine and mandatory compliance on training programs focused on respect and proper workplace conduct.
Amid this given action by league brass, fans and notable basketball personalities like LeBron James and Chris Paul have expressed their criticism, citing that the association came up short in meeting the justifiable standard of the punishments. Even Jahm Najafi, Suns’ minority owner, called up Sarver to part ways with his governing position in the club due to the unjust treatments he gave within the organization.
Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, PayPal has reached a jersey patch collaboration with the Suns and Mercury franchises starting in 2018. The deal is about to expire after the 2022-23 season.
