Josh Bartelstein, CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, outlined his vision for the future of basketball in Arizona during a press conference held to introduce the Valley Suns G-League team’s new home at Mullett Arena in downtown Tempe. Bartelstein, who assumed the role shortly after Mat Ishbia became the owner, emphasized the importance of cultivating a thriving basketball community in the region.
Bartelstein emphasized, “We’re going to experiment with a multitude of strategies—new ticketing approaches, innovative partnerships, and cutting-edge marketing tactics. Our goal is to elevate our franchise to the pinnacle of sports excellence. And it’s all going to unfold right here.”
Before assuming the role of CEO of the Suns, Bartelstein served as an assistant General Manager for the Detroit Pistons, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Pistons Performance Center.
Since teaming up with Ishbia in the Valley, Bartelstein has been instrumental in securing major events for Phoenix, including the WNBA All-Star Game in 2024 and the NBA All-Star Game in 2027. Additionally, he has played a key role in bolstering the Suns’ roster with a wealth of new talent. Bartelstein highlighted the importance of establishing a G-League team by referencing current Suns players who honed their skills in the system, such as Grayson Allen (2018-2019, 2019-2020) and Damion Lee (2016-2019).
Bartelstein underscored the significance of the Suns’ new G-League team by emphasizing that it will provide opportunities for both injured players and those who may not be receiving much playing time. This initiative ensures that all players have the chance to stay active on the court, offering a significant advantage for player development and team cohesion.
When queried about the duration of the arrangement with Mullett Arena, Bartelstein asserted that it is the Valley Suns’ permanent home, signaling no intention to relocate the team anytime soon. Additionally, he hinted at the inclusion of “unique sponsors” who have not previously partnered with the team, suggesting exciting new collaborations on the horizon.