Press Release

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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

Partnership Unites Suns with the Arizona Roots of Early Warning, the Company Behind Zelle® – Which Has Become a Vital Part of Everyday Financial Life for Millions of Americans

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns and Early Warning Services, LLC, the Arizona-based employer behind Paze® and Zelle®, today announced that Paze will succeed PayPal as the team’s Official Jersey Patch Partner. Beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season, the multi-year partnership will bring the Paze logo to the upper left side of all Suns uniforms.

“We had a lot of interest in our patch; it was a very competitive process,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein. “Early Warning stood out because of its long history of innovation in payments, from Zelle to Paze, its deep roots in Arizona and the opportunity to build an innovative partnership that goes well beyond the jersey. Paze will have a meaningful presence across our business and with our fans and members, from ticketing and online checkout to opportunities to enhance the fan experience at our arena. It’s an honor to have a hometown partner on our jerseys.”

For nearly four decades, Early Warning has helped power payments innovation across the United States banking sector from its home in Arizona, where it employs more than 900 people. The company enables financial access, advances reliable and fast payments for consumers and small businesses, and helps banks and credit unions protect the people and businesses they serve. Through its broader portfolio of products, the company supports many Arizona-based banks and credit unions.

The partnership connects that national role and longstanding Arizona presence with the cultural and economic reach of the Suns, whose games and downtown arena generate activity for workers and businesses throughout Phoenix and the broader region.

Paze is an online checkout solution offered by participating financial institutions. Consumers can use eligible cards from financial institutions they already know and use, without creating another payment account. And because actual card numbers are not shared with merchants during transactions, Paze provides a streamlined checkout experience with added security.

“The Paze patch will be seen wherever the Suns play, but this partnership begins at home in Arizona,” said Serge Elkiner, general manager of Paze. “Early Warning has grown here for nearly four decades, and more than 900 of our employees live and work in the state. Having Paze succeed PayPal in one of the most visible positions in sports is an important marker of our momentum, and we’re proud to introduce Paze to one of sports’ most passionate fan bases while supporting the team and communities they call home.”

The partnership extends beyond the jersey. Paze will serve as the Suns’ Official Online Checkout Partner and Official Digital Wallet and become the entitlement partner of the team’s season ticket membership program. Through these platforms, Paze and the Suns will create new opportunities to connect with fans, local businesses, and communities throughout the Valley.

To celebrate the partnership, the Suns and Paze will host promotional activations throughout the season. From Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, fans can get 50% off merchandise at the Suns online team shop at shop.suns.com when they checkout with Paze using promo code PAZE50.

In New York City, where Early Warning is rapidly growing and employs nearly 250 people, the company is the first Founding Partner of Etihad Park, the future home of New York City FC. Etihad Park anchors the broader Willets Point redevelopment in Queens, which is expected to generate $6.1 billion in economic activity over 30 years, create thousands of jobs and deliver 2,500 affordable homes, a public school, hotel, retail and open space.

Together, the Phoenix and New York relationships demonstrate how sports can generate impact far beyond the court or field. For Early Warning, these partnerships create a national platform to connect with fans while supporting places that bring people together, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to the long-term vitality of their communities.

The Suns long-term partnership builds on Early Warning’s growing presence in professional basketball, joining the Atlanta Hawks as one of two NBA teams to feature Paze® on team uniforms.

Fans can learn more about Paze and how to activate their credit and debit cards in the Paze wallet by visiting www.paze.com.

Paze is a reimagined online checkout solution that banks and credit unions offer to consumers and participating merchants, combining eligible U.S. debit and credit cards into a single wallet and eliminating manual card entry. Designed to help solve long-standing challenges in e-commerce, Paze delivers a streamlined experience for both consumers and businesses. More than 220 million credit and debit cards have been added to the Paze checkout solution. To learn more, visit www.paze.com.

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Phoenix Suns and Arizona-Based Early Warning Services Announce Multi-Year Agreement to Feature Paze® on All Suns Jerseys, Succeeding PayPal as the Team’s Official Jersey Partner

Shane Young

74 Non-National Exclusive Games to Air Locally Over-The-Air on Arizona’s Family and Stream on Suns+ in the Arizona’s Family Sports App

Arizona Sports 98.7 and KSUN La Mejor Radio Return as Radio Partners

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns today announced the team’s comprehensive local broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 NBA season, featuring 74 non-national exclusive games and all five preseason contests broadcast on Arizona’s Family and on Suns+ within the Arizona’s Family Sports app. Arizona Sports 98.7 and KSUN La Mejor Radio return as the radio partners for Suns broadcasts.

CBS 5 and Arizona’s Family Sports will air the Coca-Cola & Fry’s Food Stores Tip-Off Suns on Saturday, Oct. 24 against the Golden State Warriors. Aside from the home opener, all other Arizona’s Family broadcasts during the regular season will air live on both 3TV and Arizona’s Family Sports. Arizona’s Family will exclusively broadcast 71 regular season games locally, including the season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Portland Trail Blazers. All locally available broadcasts will stream on Suns+ in the Arizona’s Family Sports app with a paid subscription. Fans can subscribe starting Oct. 1 at azfamilysports.com.

Suns veteran play-by-play announcer Kevin Ray will return for his 10th season as the television voice of the Suns and will be joined by rotation of analysts including former Suns players Eddie Johnson and Rex Chapman, as well as basketball Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale. Johnson enters his 27th season as an analyst, while Meyers Drysdale enters her 15th season. Chapman joins the broadcast team to serve as analyst alongside Ray for over 20 road games this season after filling in as a guest analyst last season. Amanda Pflugrad returns for her fourth season as the Suns sideline reporter.

In the studio, Tom Leander will lead the hosting duties for Suns Game Time pregame, halftime and postgame programming, alongside analyst and Suns Ring of Honor member Tom Chambers. For the second season, former Suns player Frank Kaminsky III will join the studio as an analyst for select games. Suns Game Time pregame coverage will begin 30-minutes prior to every local broadcast, and postgame coverage, which features player and coach interviews, game highlights and in-depth analysis from Suns studio team, will conclude 30-minutes following each game. All pre and postgame shows will air on the same stations as the game.

Arizona Sports 98.7 returns as the Suns flagship radio station, continuing a long-standing relationship that began in 1968. Jon Bloom enters his fourth season as the Suns full-time radio voice alongside former Suns player Tim Kempton who returns for his 25th season as radio analyst. Select games will broadcast on ESPN 620 in place of Arizona Sports 98.7.

KSUN La Mejor Radio on 1400AM and 106.5FM will return as the Spanish radio broadcast partner of the Phoenix Suns. Veteran play-by-play announcer Arturo Ochoa returns for his 23rd season calling games, alongside analyst Samuel Sandoval who enters his fifth season.

Arizona’s Family 3TV broadcasts on KTVK in Phoenix and Arizona’s Family Sports broadcasts on KPHE in Phoenix, KAZF in Flagstaff, KOLD in Tucson and KAZS in Yuma.

*The 74-game local broadcast schedule could potentially have up to two more games added to be played between Dec. 4-11, pending the team’s outcomes in Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.

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Phoenix Suns Announce 2026-27 Local Broadcast Schedule on Arizona's Family

PHOENIX – Mat Ishbia continues to redefine the fan experience with the announcement of an immersive LED display coming to the exterior of Mortgage Matchup Center this fall. Measuring 226 feet wide by 41 feet tall, the 9,266-square-foot installation will create a striking new visual centerpiece spanning the arena’s plaza entrance, making Mortgage Matchup Center the only NBA/WNBA arena with a transparent display of this size and setting a new benchmark in sports and entertainment venues.

“We want everyone who visits Mortgage Matchup Center to have a memorable experience, and that starts the moment they arrive,” said Ishbia. “We’re creating a place where fans can come together for the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and our new LED display gives us a powerful new platform to celebrate the Suns and Mercury, connect with our community and engage with our fans.”

The new display will reimagine the plaza as a vibrant stage for sports, entertainment and shared experiences, bringing the biggest moments to life on a massive scale. Fans will be able to gather for outdoor watch parties, relive highlights and clips, and see Suns, Mercury and entertainment content unfold across the entire façade of the entrance. From game day to concerts and special events, the display will make the exterior of Mortgage Matchup Center a year-round destination for fans to gather, connect and experience the biggest moments together.

Spanning the entirety of the plaza entrance, the transparent mesh LED display is integrated behind the glass paneling, allowing natural light to flow into the pavilion while maintaining views of downtown Phoenix. The LED panels on either side of the center display can operate independently or seamlessly combine with the center display to create one continuous visual experience. Featuring over 17 million pixels and a 60 frames-per-second refresh rate, the display will deliver crystal-clear content, creating dynamic visuals that engage fans and enhance brand visibility for partners.

OneRevel designed and engineered the display and supported the project’s systems integration and installation. The display features advanced LED technology from Absen, a global leader in LED display solutions.

The new videoboard is the latest example of Ishbia’s commitment to putting fans first and delivering a best-in-class experience at every touchpoint. That commitment spans the entire fan journey, from the NBA and WNBA’s most affordable $2 value menu and elevated culinary offerings through OVG Hospitality to innovative bowl lighting and premium experiences like the FanDuel Lounge, M Club by BMW and The Ra Ra Room, the first-ever members-only dining club in a sports and entertainment venue. It also extends beyond the arena through the groundbreaking media rights partnership with Gray Media, making the Suns and Mercury the first NBA/WNBA teams to broadcast games free over the air and the first to sign a long-term extension.

Mortgage Matchup Center is a premier destination for sports, entertainment and unforgettable live experiences, attracting more than 2.5 million fans each year. Since opening its doors in 1992, the arena has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated events. In 2027, Mortgage Matchup Center will host fans from around the world for NBA All-Star, marking the fourth time Phoenix has hosted the NBA’s marquee event.

Renderings are available for media use here. Courtesy of Phoenix Suns.

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Phoenix Suns & Mercury Continue to Transform Fan Experience with Largest Exterior Transparent LED Display on NBA/WNBA Arena

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced today that the team has signed guard/forward Dillon Brooks to a multi-year contract extension. A nine-year NBA veteran, Brooks recorded a career season with the Suns in 2025-26.

“Dillon’s toughness, competitiveness and work ethic epitomize our Suns DNA,” said general manager Brian Gregory. “He plays with a drive and intensity that sets the tone for our team and raises the level of everyone around him. Dillon was an important part of what we accomplished last season, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow as a player while building on the connection he’s established with our fans and the Phoenix community.”

In his first season with the Suns, Brooks averaged a career-high 20.2 points on 43.5% shooting, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 56 games. He scored a career-best 40 points and recorded a season-high eight rebounds in a win over Detroit on Jan. 29. In the playoffs, Brooks averaged 26.0 points on 45.9% from the field, 3.5 three-point makes on 43.8% from beyond the arc and 6.0 rebounds, recording two games scoring 30-plus points in the first round against Oklahoma City.

Brooks holds career averages of 14.8 points on 42.1% shooting, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 548 games (521 starts) across nine seasons with Memphis, Houston and the Suns, earning NBA All-Defensive honors in 2023. He has helped his team reach the playoffs in five of the past six seasons, averaging 16.5 points on 40.7% shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 career playoff games. Initially the 45th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Brooks played at the University of Oregon where he led the Ducks to a berth in the 2017 Final Four in Arizona, the program’s first Final Four in 78 years.

A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Brooks is a co-captain for the Canadian national team in international competition and participated at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He earned Best Defensive Player honors at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup to help Canada win bronze, the nation’s first medal in a global men’s basketball tournament since 1936. Brooks scored 39 points to lead Canada to a win over the United States in the bronze-medal game, setting a FIBA World Cup record for most points scored in a medal-winning game.

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Suns Sign Dillon Brooks to Contract Extension

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns today announced its 2026 preseason schedule, including two home contests at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Single-game tickets for Suns home preseason and regular season games will go on sale in mid-August following the release of the regular season schedule. Fans can sign up for exclusive presale access at Suns.com/SMS.

The Suns open the preseason with a two-game road trip at the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls on Monday, Oct. 5, and Wednesday, Oct. 7. The team then plays two games against the defending conference champion Spurs, in Phoenix on Saturday, Oct. 10, and in San Antonio on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The final contest of the Suns preseason will be at Mortgage Matchup Center on Friday, Oct. 16 when they host the Utah Jazz. The Suns full preseason schedule is listed below:

Broadcast information for the 2026 preseason will be announced at a later date.

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Suns Announce 2026 Preseason Schedule

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced today that the team has signed free agent guard Luke Kennard to a multi-year contract.

“Luke’s work ethic and commitment to his craft have made him one of the most efficient three-point shooters in NBA history,” said Suns general manager Brian Gregory. “His floor spacing, high basketball IQ and connective playmaking bring another dimension to our offense. We’re excited to welcome Luke and his family to Phoenix."

Kennard (6’-5”, 206 pounds) shot a career-best 53.3% from the field and a league-leading 47.8% from three-point range in 78 games between the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers last season. He averaged 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 21.6 minutes, and recorded his first career triple-double on April 5 at Dallas with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Kennard appeared in all 10 of the Lakers’ postseason games, averaging 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, highlighted by a playoff career-high 27 points against Houston on April 18.

A nine-year NBA veteran, Kennard holds career averages of 9.6 points on 46.6% from the field and 44.2% from three-point, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 three-pointers in 538 games (127 starts). He led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage three times in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2025-26, joining Kyle Korver as the only players in NBA history to lead the league in the category at least three times. The 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Duke University, Kennard’s career 44.2% mark from beyond the arc is the second highest in league history behind only Steve Kerr.

Kennard will wear jersey No. 8 for the Suns.

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Suns Sign Guard Luke Kennard

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced today that the team has completed a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring veteran forward Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick in exchange for guard Grayson Allen, forward Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick.

“Miles has established himself as a highly productive player whose game continues to evolve,” said Suns general manager Brian Gregory. “His elite athleticism, strength and versatility allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He embodies the grit, competitiveness and work ethic that fit our identity, and we’re excited to welcome him to Phoenix.”

“We also want to thank Grayson and Royce for the impact they made in Phoenix,” added Gregory. “Both played important roles in helping us build our foundation, and we appreciate everything they brought to our team. We wish them and their families all the best.”

Bridges (6’-7”, 225 pounds) averaged 17.1 points on 46.0% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 77 games for Charlotte last season. He knocked down three or more three-pointers in a career-best 29 games during the season, including a career-high-tying seven triples on Nov. 10 against the Lakers. Bridges scored 20-plus points 25 times with a season high of 35 points in a win over Toronto on Nov. 29.

Bridges holds career averages of 15.9 points on 46.1% shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 501 games, all with the Hornets. He has averaged 19.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 three-pointers per game over the last three seasons, one of just four NBA players to record at least these numbers in each of these categories during this time span. Originally the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Michigan State University, Bridges was named Most Valuable Player in the Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star 2020.

Bridges will wear jersey No. 22 for the Suns.

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Suns Acquire Veteran Forward Miles Bridges

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