Prospective Minnesota Twins Buyers Announce Huge Cuts to Phoenix Suns Concession Prices
The Minnesota Twins are on the open market. If you can afford their $1-$2 billion price tag, they can be yours! According to reports, there are multiple prospective buyers with interest. But the group is headlined by billionaires, Justin and Mat Ishbia, owners of the Phoenix Suns.
The Ishbias’ interest is a big deal for a lot of reasons, but what will strike a cord with Twins fans most, is their willingness to invest into the Suns, while simultaneously saving money for Phoenix fans.
Minnesota Twins prospective buyers are for the people
Right after purchasing the Suns, at the end of December, 2022, they turned around and traded for Kevin Durant, lifting Phoenix immediately into NBA Finals conversations among league talking heads. Since then, the Suns have consistently been near the top of the NBA in roster salary and luxury tax penalties paid.
This season, Ishbia is projected (according to Spotrac.com) to pay $409 million total, between salaries and tax penalties. That’s $110 million more than the 2nd highest total, $299 million by our own Minnesota Timberwolves
| Rk | Team | 2024-25 Salaries | Proj. Tax Bill | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suns | $220M | $188M | $409M |
| 2 | Timberwolves | $204M | $96M | $299M |
| 3 | Celtics | $197M | $66M | $262M |
Meanwhile, sick of dealing with outdated regional sports network, Bally Sports Arizona, Mat Ishbia announced in May 2023 that the Phoenix Suns were done holding their fans hostage with RSN fees. Instead, they were taking games over the air… where fans could watch them for free.
Related: Minnesota Twins Sale Suddenly on an Expedited Timeline
That’s right, if you can reach local TV towers with your bunny ears in Arizona (or if your cable/satellite package includes local news channels), you can watch Phoenix Suns basketball games. But RSNs aren’t the only anti-fan problem with professional sports today, according to the Ishbias.
Ishbia Brothers: ‘Down with absurd concession costs!’
On Wednesday, Mat Ishbia announced that you no longer have to be a billionaire to afford concession costs at Phoenix Suns games. From here on out, those attending Footprint Center in Phoenix for Suns games will be able to buy popcorn, fountain pop, bottled water, chips and hot dogs for $2 each, down 70%+ for all of those basic concession items.
Winning starts with our fans. When I walk the concourse at games there aren’t food options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money. That needs to change, so today we’re rolling out our $2 value menu for all home @Suns games. pic.twitter.com/BsluNoKD5P
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) December 18, 2024
This is what it looks like when an ownership group gets it. Instead of alienating your fanbase by making your team more difficult to watch, or charging them hundreds and hundreds of dollars to attend and enjoy a game, if they come to the stadium may help boost profit margins in the short-term, but it does nothing for the longevity of your business plan.
Owning a sports franchise in 2024-25 is about growing the popularity of your team. The NBA, NFL and MLB are printing money. Teams are worth 1000x more than they were three decades ago, and that is because of fan interest. Lose that, and you lose everything.
Related: Veteran Infielder Named as Realistic Free Agent Target for Minnesota Twins
So what’s more important? It’s pleasing fans. The Ishbias understand that. So let us pray they get to rain some of these good owner practices down on Minnesota Twins fans, in the near future. No fanbase deserves good ownership more.
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