PHOENIX SUNS

Former Suns owner Robert Sarver gives full-time employees $20,000

Feb 19, 2023, 11:45 AM

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint ...

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Suns fans are excited for their revamped team with the most popular man in all of Arizona right now, Kevin Durant, coming to the Valley, and now Robert Sarver is trying to get Suns employees excited by giving them each a $20,000 bonus.

In an email from new Suns owner Mat Ishbia, it was announced that Sarver was going to show his “appreciation” to full-time employees with a nice chunk of cash. Sarver is also donating $5 million to Suns Charities.

There are around 300 full-time employees with the Suns that will reap the benefits of this bonus, and one in particular definitely doesn’t mind.

“I will say, what a classy way to move on,” one current Suns employee told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.

Back in September 2022, Sarver was suspended for one year and fined $10 million after a 10-month investigation found various examples of workplace misconduct, including the use of the N-word at least five times toward others.

Ishbia ultimately bought a 57% stake of the Suns for $2.28 billion, which included Sarver’s 37% stake of $1.48 billion. One of Ishbia’s main focuses is on the treatment of his employees and the family-like work environment he is aiming to create.

“Family. You’re going to hear the word family from us a lot,” Ishbia told employees the morning after he was introduced, according to team sources. “And I don’t know all the details of what’s happened before, but I know what we’re going to talk about moving forward. That’s what matters now. The present and the future are what we’re going to focus on. Family, team, togetherness, working together, caring about one another.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns...

Arizona Sports

Grayson Allen reinjures ankle vs. Timberwolves in Game 2

Grayson Allen reinjured an ankle sprain in Game 2 of Phoenix Suns' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

56 minutes ago

Dvein Booker vs. Jaden McDaniels...

Kevin Zimmerman

Suns find defensive legs to grind past rough start vs. T-Wolves

The Phoenix Suns' defense overcame a turnover-filled start in Game 2 to draw nearly even against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

1 hour ago

Tyrese Maxey wins 2023-24 Most Improved Player award....

Associated Press

76ers’ Tyrese Maxey wins 2023-24 Most Improved Player award, Grayson Allen receives votes

Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey wins 2023-24 Most Improved Player. Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen received votes.

2 hours ago

Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns guard...

Arizona Sports

Grayson Allen will play despite injured ankle in Game 2 of Suns-Timberwolves

Grayson Allen will play Tuesday in Game 2 of his Phoenix Suns' first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

4 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Will a Phoenix Suns loss in Game 2 signal the end of an era for the team?

As the Phoenix Suns prepare for Game 2 of their playoff series with the Timberwolves, Wolf & Luke ponder on what the future holds for the team should they lose again in Minnesota.

8 hours ago

Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards...

Arizona Sports

Full schedule: How to watch Suns-Timberwolves Game 2

The No. 6 seed Phoenix Suns will travel to meet the No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

8 hours ago

Former Suns owner Robert Sarver gives full-time employees $20,000