Robert Sarver, owner of the NBA team, Phoenix Suns, said he’s started the process to sell the club. The 60-year-old also owns Phoneix Mercury, the WNBA team, and RCD Mallorca, the Spanish league soccer club. His decision to sell both his basketball teams comes after the University of Arizona college graduate has been a suspension by the NBA for racist comments and improper behaviour with employees at the workplace. 

With Sarver looking to sell, here are some candidates who could be the new owner of the Phoenix Suns. 

Bob Iger 

Former Disney CEO, Bob Iger, expressed an interest in buying the Phoenix Suns when NBA commissioner Adam Silver launched an investigation into the incumbent majority owner, Sarver, Puck News reported. 

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Iger and Silver know each other from the former’s Disney days due to NBA’s rights deal with Disney-owned ABC and ESPN. Iger is also familiar with Suns star, Chris Paul, who was president of the NBA Players Association (NBPA) from 2013 to 2021. 

Dyal HomeCourt Partners, division of Dyal Capital Partners

The partnership between private equity firms and NBA teams increased after revenues took a hit due to COVID-19, and the former sensed a chance to expand into a market where teams needed investors. Dyal Capital Partners has backed several of the league’s teams. 

Dyal HomeCourt Partners has a stake that is less than 5%. Equity firms are no strangers to making minority investments. They back teams to ensure a turnaround. Even if Dyal steps up and buys the team, currently valued by Forbes at $2.5 billion, the equity firm will only remain a majority stakeholder until an opportune moment arises for transferring ownership. It is more likely Dyal will not assume ownership of the company. 

Bryan Colangelo

Colangelo was general manager of Phoenix Suns in 1995, after being hired by the front office in 1991. The 57-year-old was with the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors, but FanSided reported in 2019 that Suns fans were clamouring for Colangelo to put together a team and make a bid, amid Sarver’s growing unpopularity with the masses. 

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Now, with Sarver putting the team on the market, a familiar face could return to take his place.