Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns, delivered a bold statement at the team’s end-of-season press conference, promising a future of championships following a disappointing and “embarrassing” 2024-25 season. Despite the Suns failing to make the Play-In Tournament, Ishbia remained confident in his team’s ability to bounce back.
“I promise you we will. I promise you we will win championships, with an S at the end,” Ishbia declared, acknowledging the frustration that surrounded the season. The Suns struggled throughout the year, leaving fans and management disheartened by their underperformance. “It wasn’t fun to watch. It wasn’t fun to watch our team lose and not compete at the level we all expected,” he admitted.
Ishbia emphasized his personal accountability for the team’s struggles, stating that he would take responsibility for the lack of identity and direction within the franchise. He also pledged to reshape the Suns’ culture, aiming to instill a sense of grit and determination that resonates with the Phoenix community. “We will set the identity of Phoenix Suns basketball, and it’s gonna be very much aligned with this community,” he said.
While acknowledging that the past two seasons had not met expectations, Ishbia highlighted the importance of making significant changes moving forward. This included a commitment to reshaping the Suns’ roster and front-office structure, with a clear focus on creating a team that reflects Phoenix’s values. “I’m going to do a better job setting the tone on the vision,” Ishbia affirmed.
The Suns’ owner also addressed recent criticism of his leadership, particularly following the team’s struggles and moves made under his tenure. Ishbia responded to comments from national media, defending his approach and promising improvements. “There’s gonna be a lot of change,” he noted. “We will be better, and you will enjoy watching our team much more next year.”
Despite the challenges, Ishbia remains dedicated to his vision for the Suns, emphasizing his role in providing the necessary resources for success. “My job is to enable and empower the people in those positions, like my GM, my front office, and my coach,” Ishbia explained. “I focus on winning, not profitability. That’s my job.”
