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5h ago

Suns, Mercury Extend Free TV Deal With Gray Through 2028

The two-year renewal is reportedly worth more than $30 million per season, reflecting viewership-driven revenue recovery after their RSN exit.

Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia watches a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • ESPN reports the extension exceeds $30 million annually, restoring much of the local rights income the teams forfeited in 2023.
  • Games will remain free over the air across Arizona on Arizona’s Family stations KTVK, KPHO and KPHE, reaching nearly 3 million households including Tucson and Yuma.
  • Suns+, Merc+ and Valley Suns coverage continue on the teams’ direct-to-consumer apps powered by Kiswe.
  • Average Suns viewership roughly doubled to about 125,000 from 63,000, while Mercury audiences rose about 425%, according to the teams and Gray Media.
  • Phoenix left bankrupt Diamond Sports in 2023 and settled ensuing litigation, and owner Mat Ishbia says the fan-first model is a potential blueprint other NBA teams are studying.