Ishbia, Suns owner, dismisses lawsuits: “They’re an attempt to make money”

Mat Ishbia Challenges Lawsuits Against the Suns

The owner of the Phoenix Suns, Mat Ishbia, has expressed his firm stance against the multiple lawsuits facing his franchise, dismissing them as attempts to obtain economic benefits. The accusations range from discrimination to wrongful termination, but Ishbia maintains a defiant stance.

As you know, anyone can file a lawsuit any day for any reason. But the truth is, you have to win the lawsuit.

Mat Ishbia

Ishbia, during the Suns’ media day, called the demands a “money grab”. The team has been sued on several occasions since 2024. Recently, in August, two minority owners sued Ishbia, requesting access to records to investigate the team’s financial and business situation. Ishbia added that his approach is different from that of other successful entrepreneurs: “We don’t settle. If we haven’t done anything wrong, I’m not going to pay anyone.” He continued by saying: “I hope they report on how many lawsuits we lose. Because we haven’t lost any, and to be honest, we’re not going to lose any, because they’re ridiculous.”

Details of the Claims

• In July, the Suns confirmed the dismissal of Gene Traylor, former security manager, who filed a lawsuit for discrimination, harassment, and illegal retaliation. The team stated that Traylor was fired following an external investigation that revealed violations of company policies regarding confidential information.
• In early July, former Mercury interim coach Nikki Blue filed a lawsuit for unequal treatment based on race and gender, unequal pay based on race, and termination in retaliation for complaints about unequal treatment.
• In November, Andrea Trischan sued the Suns for racial discrimination and illegal retaliation that led to her dismissal. Trischan was the team’s former diversity, equity, and inclusion manager for approximately 10 months in 2022 and 2023.

Ishbia, a mortgage executive, acquired a majority stake in the Suns and Phoenix Mercury from owner Robert Sarver for $4 billion. Ishbia and his brother, Justin, announced they would acquire more than 50% of the franchises, including all of Sarver’s stake and some holdings from minority partners. The sale was officially approved in February 2023.