Former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver refused to allow Disney CEO Bob Iger from entering the process to buy the team earlier last year. Sarver reportedly refused to consider any offers from Iger due to blaming Iger and ESPN for his downfall as Suns owner.
In November of 2021, ESPN published a story that exposed Sarver’s racist and inappropriate sexual behavior towards Suns employees. That led to a year-long suspension and $10 million fine for Sarver.
Sarver confirmed that Iger was locked out of the building, but denied it was due to any sort of grudge. Sarver said the sale needed to happen quickly and his partners determined Iger wouldn’t have the financial liquidity in a soon enough time to bid.
Mat Ishbia ultimately led a group that bought 57% of the Suns franchise at a valuation of $4 billion dollars.
