"There are four things I am focused on"- Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia shares the roadmap for the next five years

The last couple of years have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for the Phoenix Suns. After making the Finals in 2021, the franchise failed to build on that momentum. Adding to the woes were allegations of workplace misconduct levied against former owner Robert Sarver.

After a thorough investigation, the league suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million. Facing heavy backlash for his racist and misogynistic conduct, Saver decided to sell his majority ownership stake, with Mat Ishbia emerging as the top suitor with his $4 billion bid.

Many viewed Ishbia's arrival as a positive, given his collegiate basketball background. However, the situation on the ground turned out to be the opposite. His excessive involvement in day-to-day operations, coupled with hasty decision-making, led to heavy criticism.

The billionaire owner is willing to learn from his past mistakes as he embarks on a new era. Recently, appearing on the Draymond Green Show, Ishbia discussed his blueprint for the future.

"There's four things I'm focused on. First, I'm focused on fan experience. Make it amazing. We talk about the TV stuff. How do I develop the community, do cool things? We had the women's All-Star, now I got the NBA All-Star game here next year in 27," said Ishbia, who played point guard for Michigan State.

"Third, I got to build a great culture. So, the previous regime, I had to make some different changes on the business side, really develop, we built a new headquarters.But then fourth is winning. You got to win eventually, right? And so, for the next five years, I mean, without question, we want to win championships here in Phoenix," added the billionaire owner, who wished to emulate the Golden State Warriors model.

Green's advice to Ishbia

Draymond has been in the league long enough to know how things work both on and off the court. One of the architects behind the Warriors dynasty, the veteran forward helped bring four championships to the Bay Area. A primary reason why Ishbia wanted to seek his advice.

"A franchise player who don't have an opportunity or chance to win, as they would say, to win right now, they should run away, they should leave, they should go find a situation where they can win right away and compete for a championship right away," Draymond told Mat.

However, the Warriors veteran was full of praise for the face of the Suns franchise, Devin Booker, who has remained loyal to the organization from day one. Entering a potential rebuilding phase after the Big Three breakup, Devin signed a two-year $145 million extension.

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D-Book reveals his unfinished business

A homegrown talent, the Suns selected Booker as the 13th pick in the 2015 draft. Currently in his 11th season with the Phoenix franchise, the 29-year-old has established himself among the top scorers of his current era. Nevertheless, he still has some unfinished business.

"From being at the bottom and almost getting the job done, I have unfinished business here. I know how much it would mean to this city and this organization," the prolific scorer said.

Booker believes it's time he steps up in the leadership department as well and is viewed as the voice of the locker room. Though Ishbia is still fortunate to have a star in Booker on his roster, it will be a long journey for the Suns to contend for a title. The organization gave away a sizeable portion of its draft capital during onboarding stars such as Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Related: Paul Pierce: Draymond Green wouldn't make All-Defensive Teams in past eras

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.