Reports had suggested that the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver, didn’t run an organization that was on the up-and-up culture-wise.
The reports of racism and misogyny over his 17 years as team owner ultimately led to him being investigated by the NBA. That investigation ended in him selling the team — as well as the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA — to billionaire Mat Ishbia.
Ishbia, who bought a 57% controlling stake in the Suns for $2.28 billion, made his first move as team owner by trading for Kevin Durant, which promises to make the Suns a contender in the NBA’s Western Conference. As for Sarver? It appears he’s taking the high road and leaving his former franchise, as well as many of its employees, a gift.
ESPN is reporting that Sarver is giving a $20,000 individual bonus to many employees of the Suns — somewhere between 250 and 300 employees. The former owner is also donating $5 million to the Suns’ charity on his way out.
“I will say, what a classy way to move on,” an anonymous Phoenix employee told ESPN.
In order to qualify for the bonus, the employees had to have been full-time and have started on or before February 15th, 2022 — which means that they’d have been with the team for a full calendar year.
This isn’t some far-off promise from Sarver, either. These employees will receive their $20K bonus on their next paycheck.
Though this was quite the parting gift from Sarver, it’s worth noting that he likely won’t feel the impact of these bonuses in his pocketbook.
Sarver bought the Suns in 2004 for $401 million dollars. He’s expected to bring back almost double that amount thanks to the sale.
