The Proposal That Fell Through
The $537.8 million proposal was intended to transform the Footprint Center into a modern, state-of-the-art facility to match the standards of other premier NBA arenas. Upgrades included enhanced seating capacity, luxury suites, digital fan engagement zones, upgraded locker rooms, and sustainability-focused installations. The goal was to not only enhance the fan experience but also position Phoenix as a major host city for national events such as the NBA All-Star Game and other major entertainment showcases.
Reasons for Rejection
According to sources close to the franchise, the Suns’ front office raised multiple concerns regarding the funding, timeline, and the long-term return on investment of the renovation. A major sticking point was the financial structure of the deal, which reportedly required a significant public-private partnership involving tax breaks and city funding—a model that sparked controversy among local residents and city council members.
Team owner Mat Ishbia, who has been vocal about responsible spending and fan-first decisions since taking over the franchis
e, stated,