Amazon founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos, Oracle co-founder and past CEO Larry Ellison, ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger and Washington Wizards minority owner Laurene Powell-Jobs are some of the notable, expected candidates to run for the ownership bidding of the Phoenix Suns according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Shelburne added that moving forward, there are other names which can add up to the list of the people expressing their intent to acquire the organization.
On Wednesday, governor Robert Sarver formally announced that he intends to start the process of selling both the Suns and Mercury franchises he has owned since 2004.
Sarver was handed by the league a one-year suspension, a $10MM fine and participation on training programs related to respect and workplace conduct last week in conclusion of nearly a year of investigation of misogyny, sexism and racism allegations.
But the sanctions imposed drew flak on several league personalities and key officials. Shelburne has noted that there was private pressure grinding on Sarver, including from business, league sponsors, league owners and even on the side of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
According to a sports banker contacted by Forbes, the Suns will likely fetch at least $2.5 billion in the marketplace.
