Leadership is a long game

ESPN hot take veteran Stephen A. Smith says Mat Ishbia is on the verge of being the “worst owner in NBA history.” 

Here in Arizona, we see something different: an owner who’s invested more in his teams, his players, and his city in two years than most do in a lifetime. 

Let’s be clear: the Suns didn’t fall apart overnight, and no one’s above criticism — not even Mat. But to call him an “atrocity” of an owner? That’s a bad take even by Stephen A.’s standards. And it completely ignores the reality. 

Since purchasing the Suns and Mercury for a record $4 billion, Ishbia has: 

· Poured $100 million into a new, state-of-the-art practice facility for the Mercury — finally giving a championship-caliber WNBA team the dedicated resources and recognition it deserves

· Paid record-setting luxury taxes to field a competitive roster — not exactly the move of someone pinching pennies

· Rolled out fan-first perks like a $2 value menu to improve the game-day experience and keep outings accessible for Arizona families

· Launched the “Rise Together” campaign, pledging $10 million in community benefits for Phoenix nonprofits and youth programs

And then there’s the broadcast deal — a move that speaks volumes about Ishbia’s priorities. Last year, he tore up the old cable-based model and struck a new partnership with Gray Television, allowing every Suns and Mercury game to be broadcast for free, over the air, across Arizona. In an era when most franchises are making it harder and more expensive for fans to watch their teams, Ishbia made it easier. 

That’s not someone running a vanity project. That’s someone building something to last. 

Is the team exactly where fans want it to be today? No. But great organizations — in business or in sports — aren’t defined by how quickly they win, but by how sustainably they grow. Ishbia is playing the long game. 

Any business leader will tell you: transforming culture, modernizing operations, and laying the foundation for sustained success isn’t a one-season fix. It takes bold decisions, real investment, and the willingness to take some hits along the way. 

And let’s be honest — if Stephen A. Smith ever dipped his toes into actual leadership, political or otherwise, he might quickly find that standing on the sidelines is a lot easier than being in the arena. 

This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about the kind of leadership Arizona needs: people who show up, invest locally, empower talent, and build up the institutions that anchor our communities. 

Mat Ishbia isn’t just cutting checks — he’s creating infrastructure, opportunity, and culture that extends far beyond the court. He’s elevating teams, backing local nonprofits, and finding new ways to make Phoenix a city where fans, families, and future talent want to be. 

We support Mat because he supports Arizona. He’s making the kind of long-term, community-rooted investments that reflect the kind of leadership we should want more of – on the court and off. 

That’s not just good ownership. That’s good business. 

Someone should tell Stephen A: It’s a lot harder to build a team than to dunk on one from a TV studio.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry