Phoenix Suns president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned, a team source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Athletic on Monday. ESPN first reported the resignation. Here’s what you need to know:
- The move comes nearly two months after ESPN reported that Rowley, along with other Suns executives, were at the center of additional allegations of workplace misconduct in the wake of the NBA’s investigation into owner Robert Sarver.
- Sarver put his majority stake up for sale after the NBA suspended him for one year and fined him $10 million for violating “workplace standards.” The sale to new owner Matt Ishbia was announced in December; Ishbia is reportedly completing his takeover of the team before Thursday’s trade deadline.
- Rowley has been with Phoenix since 2007 and in his most recent role since 2012. ESPN previously reported that Rowley did not plan to step down, but understood that the new ownership group might have different plans for him.
What to make of Rowley’s resignation
The transfer of Phoenix governorship from Sarver to Ishbia was going to bring changes. Rowley’s departure, forced or otherwise, was an obvious place to start. He had worked under Sarver as team president since 2012, and per the ESPN report, was involved in some of the alleged workplace misconduct an independent investigation revealed.
A complete change in culture has to start at the top. The NBA is expected to finalize Ishbia’s purchase of the Suns and Phoenix Mercury this week, maybe as soon as Tuesday. As CEO and president of Michigan-based United Wholesale Mortgage, Ishbia has written a book that focuses on workplace culture. This will be a top priority. — Haller
Required reading
(Photo: Rob Gray/ USA Today)
