WE NEED IT BACK. The current owner of the Phoenix Suns, Josh Bartelsstein, has officially announced his decision to sell the team.
Josh Bartelstein has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, as well as the operating entity for Footprint Center, the teams announced today. Bartelstein’s appointment takes effect right now.
After spending eight years with the Detroit Pistons, Bartelstein now plays for the Suns and Mercury. Beginning with the company as the Vice Chairman’s special assistant, he advanced to the position of Chief of Staff and then Executive Vice President of Business and Basketball Operations. Bartelstein became an Assistant General Manager in the basketball operations department in June 2022. Bartelstein handled the Pistons Performance Center’s design and construction while he was a member of the Pistons, and he played a significant role in the team’s return to downtown Detroit.
The owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, Mat Ishbia, stated that Josh “understands our culture and values and shares our strategic vision for the Suns and Mercury.” “He is uniquely positioned to transform the teams into the best basketball franchises on and off the court because of his proven leadership abilities and deep experience in both the business and basketball sides of an organization.”
“The Suns and Mercury are elite sports teams with ardent supporters and a close bond with the Phoenix neighborhood. Bartelstein expressed gratitude for joining at such a momentous and exciting time for the teams, the venue, and the community. “We’ll continue to be committed to developing an environment where our team members can flourish, improving the fan experience, and improving the Valley. I’m excited to collaborate with the group to build on this foundation and start the next phase of development and prosperity for the Suns and Mercury.
Bartelstein, an Illinois native, played basketball for four years at the University of Michigan. He was selected captain of the squad that advanced to the 2013 NCAA Championship game.
Bartelstein will lead business operations as CEO of the Suns and Mercury, while James Jones, President of Basketball Operations, will handle basketball operations as General Manager.
