The pressure is mounting on Robert Sarver to sell the Phoenix Suns following his one-year suspension and $10 million fine.
On Friday, PayPal released a statement saying it will not renew its partnership with the Suns if Sarver remains the owner of the team following his suspension.
“PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination,” PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman said in a statement. “We have reviewed the report of the NBA league’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values.”
The financial technology company has been Phoenix’s jersey sponsor since the program launched in 2018. The multi-year agreement is set to expire after the 2022-23 season.
PayPal isn’t the only entity putting the pressure on Sarver to sell the team after the NBA’s investigation revealed that the Suns’ primary owner created a toxic work environment.
On Thursday, Jahm Najafi — the organization’s vice chairman and second-largest stakeholder — wrote an open letter to Phoenix players and staff, urging Sarver to resign.
