• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Suns Owner’s Company Reportedly Allowed Racist, Sexist Behavior

  • The company of Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, United Wholesale Mortgage, has been accused of fostering a racist, sexist culture.
  • Ishbia bought the club following similar allegations against previous owner Robert Sarver.
Jan 19, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Incoming Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia courtside against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Footprint Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mat Ishbia bought the Phoenix Suns after previous owner Robert Sarver was pushed out for fostering a culture that welcomed racist and sexist behavior. 

Now, a new report accuses Ishbia’s company of similar problems.

Employees at Ishbia’s United Wholesale Mortgage described a workplace in which managers treated Black workers differently from white ones and sales personnel made sexually inappropriate comments, according to Bloomberg. Managers also allegedly berated their subordinates and made sexual comments.

Cocaine use was common among executives, managers, and sales staff, per Bloomberg’s sources, which include current and former employees.

Unlike Sarver, Ishbia himself is not implicated in any of the alleged behavior.

Kevin Durant smiles during a Phoenix Suns away game.

Ticket Prices for Kevin Durant Home Debut in Phoenix Triple

Suns’ tickets prices are up 25% since Durant’s acquisition in February.
March 7, 2023

The company’s lawyers pushed back against the report, saying that “UWM does not tolerate cocaine or any drug use.”

UWM chief marketing officer Sarah DeCiantis added that the reports were “false and misleading” and suggested that they come from “disgruntled individuals or a competitor pushing a false narrative to the media.”

Sarver was suspended from the NBA for one year and fined $10 million after a league-commissioned report detailed “racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying” from himself and other executives and managers.

He elected to sell the team shortly after.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

All Eyes on Cooper Flagg As College Basketball Tips Off

He makes his NCAA debut with Duke on Monday.

Saints Fire Dennis Allen: NFL’s Coaching Carousel Spins Early

The now-former Saints coach was in the third season of a four-year contract.

Sports Drive Fox Corp.’s Revenue Despite Election Ad Overload

The Fox Sports parent posted increases in revenue and earnings.

Embiid’s Clash With Reporter Sparks NBA Probe, Concerns for Sixers

The former NBA Most Valuable Player angrily confronts and shoves a local columnist.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NFL Teams Face Crossroads at Season’s Halfway Point

0:00

Featured Today

Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
May 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves minority owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez look on in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

A-Rod, Lore Deposit $940M As Wolves Ownership Hearing Nears

Rodriguez and Lore made a large escrow deposit in advance of a key upcoming arbitration hearing.
Feb 13, 2023; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Disney CEO Bob Iger arrives at the 95th Oscars nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.
October 21, 2024

Bob Iger’s Successor Won’t Be Named Until 2026

Iger’s current contract expires at the end of 2026.
October 22, 2024

Dude Perfect CEO’s Task: Make the Dudes a Media Company

Dude Perfect’s new CEO wants fans to be able to experience the brand in person.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
August 28, 2024

New York First: Yankees and MSG Go All In on Live Sports Streaming Pact

The YES Network and MSG Networks will offer their content in a combined streaming app.
August 28, 2024

ESPN’s Pitaro: RSN Turmoil An Opportunity to Expand Local Game Coverage

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro highlights a fast-developing regional content strategy.
August 26, 2024

NFL Ready to Break New Ground With Historic Private Equity Investment

The league is poised to make official a long-awaited embrace of private equity.
August 19, 2024

NFL Private Equity Could Be Approved Before Season

No minority franchise stake sales have been publicly announced this year.