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Three-story, 55,000-square-foot YMCA to serve as a hub for youth basketball, health, wellness and education, with affordable housing units above the facility

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Valley of the Sun YMCA today announced plans to develop a $60 million state-of-the-art YMCA in downtown Phoenix, expanding access to programs and opportunities for families across central and south Phoenix. The development underscores Mat Ishbia’s continued commitment to investing in the Phoenix community, creating opportunities and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. More than a hub for youth basketball, the center will connect children and families with programs focused on education, health and wellness, workforce development and food insecurity. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029.

“Our impact as an organization extends far beyond basketball,” said Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner. “It’s about making a difference in the lives of the people who make Phoenix such a special place. This is more than a building – it’s an investment in our community and its future. It’s a place where kids can discover their potential, families can build meaningful connections and everyone can come together, support one another, and grow. Because our impact won’t be measured only by what happens on the court, but by the lives we touch across the Phoenix community and the opportunities we create together.”

Through the partnership, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation and the YMCA will bring together the power of sports, community programming and family support under one roof. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot facility will serve as a premier hub for youth basketball in Arizona, featuring three courts, including one NBA-size court and two high school-size courts. The courts will provide space for camps, clinics, tournaments and other opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills, build confidence and learn the value of teamwork.

“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the YMCA and our commitment to downtown Phoenix,” said Bryan Madden, President and CEO of Valley of the Sun YMCA. “Building on nearly 134 years of service, we are reimagining the downtown YMCA to create a place where youth and families can connect, grow and thrive for generations to come. We are grateful to the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and VanTrust for their partnership and shared commitment to investing in the future of downtown Phoenix.”

Beyond the court, the center will connect children and families with resources designed to support their growth and well-being. Planned programming and services will include tutoring and internships, onsite counselors and coaches, training and career development programs, nutrition classes and a full-service cafe, creating opportunities for young people to develop both as athletes and as individuals while providing families with additional support close to home.

As part of the project, VanTrust Real Estate will develop an additional three stories above the center featuring approximately 60 units of affordable housing. Together, the planned YMCA with housing development will bring youth sports, family resources and housing opportunities together in one downtown location.

The downtown Phoenix YMCA will serve as a lasting community legacy project of NBA All-Star 2027 in Phoenix, extending the impact of All-Star beyond the weekend and into the future of the city. The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation and the YMCA will plan to host a groundbreaking ceremony during All-Star Weekend, marking the next step toward bringing this shared vision to life.

The project reflects Ishbia’s commitment to investing in Phoenix not only as a destination for world-class sports and entertainment, but as a place where children, families and neighborhoods have opportunities to thrive.

Founded in 1988, Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation is the charitable organization of the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Valley Suns (NBA G League). The Foundation uses the platform of basketball to provide resources and support to communities across Arizona and contributes more than $5 million to the local community annually and impacts more than 500,000 people each year. Through strategic investments in education, youth development, and community engagement, the Foundation has granted more than $50 million to nonprofit partners since its inception, fostering long-term impact and sustainable growth for underserved communities. More than financial support, the Foundation also spearheads the organization’s involvement with the local community through player appearances, volunteer opportunities, and community events.

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Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury & YMCA to Develop $60 Million State-Of-The-Art YMCA In Downtown Phoenix

Sam Harvey

Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation collaborated with Global Partnership Solutions to host young Suns fan Christian Lopez and his family for a branded content piece to promote our OneCourt devices for blind and low-vision fans. Christian and family enjoyed car service to the game and a courtside warmup experience.

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OneCourt

Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation, with a special appearance by Dillon Brooks, hosted a 3v3 tournament supporting community impact initiatives across the Valley!

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Dillon 3v3 Tournament

To commemorate the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation (PSPMF), Phoenix Mercury and Valley of the Suns YMCA launched a first-of-its-kind all-girls youth basketball league. In 2026, PSPMF and the Mercury partnered with the YMCA of Southern Arizona to bring JMLL to the Tucson region. This extended commitment was made to commemorate the 2025 WNBA Finals run and elevates the Mercury’s status as the focal point of women’s basketball in Arizona.

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JMLL Tucson Launch

Shane Young

The Phoenix Suns’ home game on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks marked the 200th consecutive sellout at Mortgage Matchup Center.

This sellout streak is the second-longest in franchise history, starting on December 19, 2021. It’s the fourth-longest active streak in the NBA.

Saturday's 200th sellout was also Women's Empowerment Night, celebrating the strength and leadership of women across the community. The Suns had plenty of fan-first initiatives to celebrate such a meaningful night. Fans received free popcorn, seat upgrades, and signed jersey giveaways.

The crowd plays a pivotal role in galvanizing the team in any sport. But in Phoenix, home games bring a unique feeling. Each player that steps on the hardwood feels the support. They experience the rowdy energy. They hear the nonstop cheering that supplies a huge advantage in clutch time.

“Some of the best fans,” Jalen Green said after his game-winner over Orlando. “Even when I wasn’t here, I would say they always show up in here. They’re loud. It’s a good feeling when you know the city is behind you, night in and night out. The fans are great here. I love them.”

Royce O’Neale echoed it after his own game-winning three over the Lakers. He’s been part of the Suns since February 2024 and is still impressed by the crowd.

“These fans are with us every game,” O’Neale said. “They are supporting us, cheering every night. We feed off their energy. Especially in those clutch moments, they expect us to win every game.”

Commemorating this milestone, Suns.com recently caught up with six loyal fans who are PayPal SixthMan Members. We learned about their stories, their personal connection to the Suns, and what makes the atmosphere so special at home games.

Family is everything in life, and sports should only reinforce that.

Kelly Bello and her 11-year-old son, Andrew, perfectly represent how Suns fandom accentuates the family experience. Between school, homework and the grind of a busy schedule, the quality time they get to spend together is limited. So they maximize every minute they can get while enjoying the company of more than 17,000 passionate fans in the community.

They never stray from their gameday routine. After walking through the doors at Mortgage Matchup Center, they immediately hit up the Team Shop. If there’s a cool new Suns shirt on display, they’ll make sure to grab a couple so they can match. Andrew is always determined to pick up a new set of basketball cards and opening them at the SixthMan booth. That’s his jam.

When they get to their seats, they are fully locked in. Nothing else matters for those two and a half hours. It’s a safe haven for basketball fans.

“It’s this whole experience,” she says. “If you had a terrible day, you can go to a Suns game and you’ll forget all about it. You have a great time. Everyone is super nice there. We’ve had the coolest experiences.”

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While Andrew’s favorite player is Booker because he’s been the Suns’ franchise star for his entire life, Kelly is still trying to decide between Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen. It’s a tough choice for her.

Gillespie’s journey and perseverance stand out the most. For her, those stories are always the easiest to root for. She recalls seeing Gillespie check into a game last season, before he was solidified in the rotation, and being amazed at how quickly he made an impact. Out loud, she said ‘this guy is going to be really good,’ instantly giving her a bit of nostalgia from a decade ago when her father told her the same thing … about a baby-faced teenager out of Kentucky, wearing #1.

As for their favorite moment? Easily Booker's game-winner against Oklahoma City on January 4, which Kelly remembers being a stressful and nail-biting sequence until the ball swished through the net. She had to lift Andrew up so he could get a clear vantage point. The chants of "LET'S GO SUNS" followed until the final buzzer as Phoenix grabbed its most impressive win of the year.

Suns home games mean the world to Kelly and Andrew and will remain a staple in their household.

“He’s going to remember this for the rest of his life,” she says. “This is our thing. This is the time I get to spend with him, without any chores getting in the way, without any interruptions. This is our special time together.”

Sharing a similar story, Shoshana Simones and her family are Suns loyalists. She cherishes any opportunity to root on the team with her husband Ari and their children Hannah, Shira, and Gabriel.

Shoshana first became a season ticket holder in 2009, the season Phoenix would ultimately reach the Western Conference Finals. She instantly became hooked and has stuck with her team since.

In fact, Suns basketball is all their daughter Hannah has known. She literally grew up with it – with Shoshana taking her to a game when she was just a few months old, wearing earmuffs and doing her best to yell with the crowd. Booker has been her favorite from day one, which was only cemented when she realized her birthday is the day after his.

Hannah’s greatest experience was meeting Booker after a game in October 2023. When she handed him a personal handwritten card and they posed for a photo, he told her how cool it was they were birthday twins.

“It was just really cool,” Hannah says. “And since he was so nice, I felt even better. It’s great that he cares about the young fans.”

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Shoshana and Ari call the Suns 'the jewel of the city' and the most beloved team in the Valley. Ari, who grew up here, can remember the 1993 Finals like it was yesterday. The city's connection to the team has only grown since.

The Suns have focused diligently on enhancing the fan experience and it has proven to be a difference maker over the last three years. Shoshana and her family appreciate what they’ve done with the concessions.

"Even something that seems insignificant like the $2 menu," she said. “We have three kids. So when we go to games, being able to get the kids popcorn, sodas, and ice cream without breaking the bank, it’s incredible value.”

For any family of four, saving on snacks can be a real gamechanger. Sporting events are supposed to be stress-relievers.

One of their biggest joys from the last two years is seeing both rookie classes make a name for themselves. The injection of youth that Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach bring to the rotation has been noticed and welcomed.

“These last couple seasons, we’ve really loved the energy of having rookies on the team again,” Shoshana says. “It’s like a different energy because they’re playing their heart out to earn those extra minutes.”

Hannah lit up when Fleming’s name was mentioned, specifically pointing out his incredible blocks at the rim. She also finds it very endearing that all of the guys enjoy being teammates off the floor, cheering on each other even when they're dealing with injuries.

“The games are just so engaging. You can’t take your eyes off this team.”

This version of the Suns has resonated strongly with Jose Rendon, a small business owner in the heart of the Valley.

Moving to Phoenix from Sinaloa, Mexico when he was eight years old, Jose was taught the value of having a relentless work ethic by his father. It never escaped him.

By day, Jose runs a tire shop just one mile from Mortgage Matchup Center and is passionate about helping the community while providing for his family. By night, he’s a Suns fanatic … one that’s having an absolute blast watching the blue-collar grit they’ve brought to the floor.

“All of our players have that mentality,” Jose says. “We see it. I would always tell my son, you need to have players diving on the floor, high-fiving each other. That’s visible. You can see that. It triggers people to play harder once they see that. Your teammates notice that you’re playing hard. Jordan Ott said it too, if you’re not bringing energy, you’re going to stand out.”

As a season ticket holder with three seats, he often takes his wife and son. His daughter will occasionally tag along when there’s a break in her busy college schedule. But when the opportunity presents itself, he also likes to invite one of the guys from his shop, or surprise a loyal customer with a ticket.

The sheer hustle and defensive focus have made this season a blast for his family to watch. Jose says it’s refreshing for his kids to see this inspiring level of effort. He’ll give a slight elbow nudge to his son every time a player dives for a loose ball or locks up the opponent on a clutch possession.

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He started going to games as a teenager in the mid-90's, tagging along with his uncle who always wore Suns jackets and spoke highly of the crowd atmosphere. It was Jose’s escape from everyday life and his way of letting loose.

Knowing how much the Suns meant to Jose, one of his teachers would make sure to grab a fresh newspaper every morning and hand him the sports section. He cut out any article discussing the Suns and their latest games, and she would then laminate each clipping for him. Over the years, Jose says, he collected hundreds of those newspaper articles, photos, and box scores.

Growing up in a religious household, his family always prioritized church over sporting events. But it was no secret he loved basketball. On every ride to church and pass by the Suns’ arena, Jose would reminiscence – he couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to be in the building.

And if the Suns were playing that day, you could guarantee he’d find some way to stay involved. That’s where the Hall-of-Fame broadcaster, Al McCoy, made a real difference in people’s lives.

“I grew up hearing Al McCoy on the radio because we went to church a lot and couldn’t catch the games,” he says. “So I would always grab the truck keys from my dad and listen to the game on the radio while he was inside at service. I had to imagine everything Al was saying. ‘SHAZAM!’ and ‘ZING GO THE STRINGS!’ and all the stuff he would say. He was the greatest.”

“It’s cool to be at an arena with a bunch of like-minded people that are enjoying athletes playing hard,” Jose said. “Playing with effort and heart, and everybody is trying their hardest. It gets loud and it’s electric. It’s really fun to be there. We like to help out as much as we can with the guys and give them some energy, too.”

Ask Jose about his favorite moment of this season and he won’t hesitate: The outstretched dive by Collin Gillespie to save a loose ball to Jordan Goodwin for the and-one layup against the Hawks. It’s been replaying in his head since November.

“We’re glad they’re representing us well,” he says. “Phoenix people … that’s how we are. We just work hard, figure it out, and get it done. That’s what these guys are doing.”

Fan experience also extends outside of the arena, which is why the Suns have prioritized making it easier for people to watch games.

Jeremy Powell, who was one of the honorary co-captains for the season opener, believes the organization’s commitment to the fans is what yields the growing support.

“I speak to a lot of people about what’s been done since [Ishbia] bought the team,” he says. “From even the free antennas so people can watch the local games. That has increased and it’s been a good contributor to these consistent sellouts. Because people are actually feeling like they can afford it and they feel a part of the team and they’re coming to do it.”

Powell, a native Australian who relocated to Phoenix 15 years ago, has also been a season ticket holder throughout this 200-game streak. One of his friends brought him to a couple games in 2021 to highlight how fun a basketball environment can be. That’s all it took. Not wanting to experience any FOMO, he went out and bought his own.

Sports go beyond the competition for him. It’s the enjoyment of being welcomed into the Suns community and meeting new people at the games – people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.

“There really is a community feeling in the arena,” Powell says. “It doesn’t matter what your background is. I can’t speak Spanish very well, but we have the El Valle t-shirts ourselves because we just feel part of it. It brings people together, no matter what.”

Jeremy attends home games with his wife, who shares the same passion for this year’s Suns and their aggressive style of play. He remembers the day it became evident she was the perfect partner and his ride-or-die at sporting events. She had season tickets for the Arizona Coyotes and brought him to a game for one of their dates. When the physicality started ramping up, she stood up, cheered, and encouraged more.

“So now with basketball, we see Dillon Brooks being physical and we see the team actually being physical, wanting to charge the ball, wanting to win. That has just elevated it, because we actually look forward to it. We don’t care if he gets a tech because it’s the passion we see in the team now and that’s really the excitement.”

It’s the constant fight and refusal to give up that keeps Phoenix in the hunt during any game. Even the situations that seem improbable, such as trailing by eight with 52 seconds left against the Timberwolves, only for Gillespie to shock the world.

“As a fanbase, we know we’re going to have a lull sometimes during a game, but we know we’re going to dig ourselves back out,” Jeremy says. “We work harder than most other teams. That really is something I appreciate.”

The team's resilience and attitude mirror the fanbase, which goes a long way in making Suns games extremely loud from the opening tip.

“People want to come for the atmosphere. Being there, being close to the team and the action. That’s what has kept us going. We’ve bought Mercury tickets now, too. It’s a great environment.”

The sentiment rings true for Matthew Sharma and his wife Tara, who have been season ticket holders for three years.

When they visit the arena, it feels like one huge family. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Suns or Mercury game, everyone is tight-knit and proud to root for the purple and orange.

“It’s really one team, one fight, and it’s just togetherness,” Matthew says. “All of the season ticket holders are like friends and family now. We talk to each other, we say ‘hey what’s going on?’ If someone wasn’t at the last game, we’re like ‘hey, didn’t see you at the last game, how is everything?”

Matthew moved to Phoenix seven years ago right when the young Suns were becoming one of the league's most exciting watches. As he realized Tara was a huge basketball fan, in addition to sharing the same passion for music, he knew how lucky he was.

“We’ve been Suns fans for a really long time and now it’s become a big part of our life,” he says. “We got married at The Croft, which is right next to the Suns arena. And we did a t-shirt toss during our wedding because we love the t-shirt tosses during the game.”

Matthew’s favorite moment of the season was witnessing how loud the building erupted during Jalen Green’s first game in a Suns uniform. Green had one of the best debuts in franchise history, hitting six 3-pointers and giving the fanbase a preview of how dynamic this roster can be.

“That was just mad excitement to me and my wife,” Matthew says. “We were like, we got Devin Booker, we got Dillon Brooks, we got Collin Gillespie, and now we got Jalen Green, this guy who brings energy and passion.”

“We now have a new team and a competitive culture,” he added. “I think we’re playing to have a good time and we’re exceeding expectations, which is why it’s amazing. We weren’t supposed to win this many games … and look at us now. People want to see this team play.”

In just a few months, Matthew and Tara are expecting their first child – and they already can’t wait to introduce her to the Phoenix basketball community. With the rapid growth of women’s sports and the vibrant Mercury culture, they know she will fit right in.

“I love the culture of the Mercury and our daughter will be there,” he tells me while holding up a baby onesie. “I remember the first game I went to, and they did the train dance where everyone was on the court. Never in my life have I seen something like that. So, 100 percent, she will be a huge Mercury fan too.”

More than anything else, fans desire a competitive team. One that sticks together, never makes excuses, and plays until the final buzzer.

Those aren’t sports buzzwords in Phoenix. It has become the Suns’ identity, and Anthony Tafoya can recognize it on the court.

“It’s just a different vibe going to the game,” Anthony tells me. “It’s like knowing we have a shot to beat any team that comes into the building.”

That’s what comes with the NBA’s sixth-ranked defense at home, combined with this team’s blend of athleticism and shot creation.

“Now we can go to a game knowing Book, Green, Brooks, Grayson … one of our boys will go off, if not two or three of them,” he says. On any given night, they all can.”

The depth of talent and versatility within their playstyle have the fanbase believing no matchup is too fierce, especially at home.

“It’s like going to see a brand new movie every time.”

Not everyone has the same path to Suns fandom. Anthony represents that as much as any season ticket holder.

He was seven years old when his mom first brought him to a game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, famously known as “The Madhouse on McDowell.” Seeing the Gorilla rappel from the rafters and entertaining the crowd was his introduction to pro basketball in the Valley. He was fascinated by the concept of a mascot doing something so crazy, and it made him keep coming back.

Since then, he’s been addicted to the atmosphere of a Suns game.

The loudest he can remember the building was during the 2021 Finals run. The Suns were hosting their longtime division rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, who were also defending their championship.

Suns fans waited 11 years to feel the playoff intensity and full range of emotions in their building. It was the first postseason series since 2010, against the same franchise that eliminated them. With every defensive stop or Devin Booker pull-up, Anthony was in awe of the crowd’s pandemonium. Not only was it ear-splitting, but it rattled the building.

“The lights hanging from the top were shaking,” he says. “I swear to you, they were moving.”

Now, enjoying Suns games at Mortgage Matchup Center is just as much about family bonding. His wife is originally from West Virginia, where they didn’t have the luxury of enjoying professional sports. When they first started dating, Anthony knew bringing her to a Suns game would be a delight.

He relishes any opportunity to spend quality time with his three stepchildren. Basketball has become one of those avenues, and it’s specifically the Phoenix Suns – with their collective spirit and never-give-up attitude – that makes every trip to the arena worth it.

Every cheer. Every laugh. Every moment spent on the edge of their seats in a tight game. Every halftime snack shared together. He wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Speaking with Anthony, you can tell how much admiration he has for the Suns’ culture-setters. That includes head coach Jordan Ott.

Ott’s unmistaken obsession for basketball and his modern approach to the game have left an impression on Anthony in year one.

“This guy, from what I hear, eats, sleeps and breathes basketball,” he said. “Jordan Ott actually makes me want to become a coach. You can really tell he’s doing something different than guys in the past … I think I’m most excited for what he’s going to do for us.”

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Built by the Fans: Suns Reach 200th Consecutive Sellout Milestone

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Devin Booker hosted his second annual holiday party for organizations apart of Devin Booker's Starting Five.

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Devin Booker Holiday Party

The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation collaborated with our Ticket Sales & Service team to host a volunteer holiday season tip off event at Mortgage Matchup Center. At the first Season of Giving event of the season, ~400 PayPal SixthMan members, Player 15 Group team members, and Valley Suns players packed 6,100 food bags. Each package contained a variety of items including canned beans, mixed fruit, and soup. Bags were also packed with potholders, recipe cards, and holiday cards courtesy of our community partner Hands on Phoenix! The bags were distributed to families in need through United Food Bank. Volunteers in attendance also contributed to a Toy Drive, donating 200 toys to support youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale. As a wonderful start to Season of Giving and through the volunteer activations provided by our community partners – United Food Bank, Hands On Phoenix, and Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale – over 745 volunteer hours were earned.

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Sunsgiving

Mercury the first WNBA team to make six figure commitment to community in honor of finals run. Jr. Mercury Legacy League expansion to Tucson region. YMCA of Southern Arizona gym renovation. Gym renovation at Grant Park Recreation Center in Phoenix.

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2025 WNBA Finals Legacy Project

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