The scandal around the Phoenix Suns is only getting larger.
The release of a report about the team’s owner, Robert Sarver, has escalated the situation with the team.
Additionally, the ruling from the NBA and the fine it presented Sarver with hasn’t made things any better – in fact, it’s only made them worse.
There were many who were unhappy with Sarver’s one-year suspension and $10 million fine.
Statement from PayPal, a sponsor of the Phoenix Suns, reads, in part:
"In light of the findings of the NBA's investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension."https://t.co/9iJHoWnUY0
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) September 16, 2022
It’s not only fans who are upset with how the league is handling Sarver – sponsors aren’t satisfied either.
PayPal, one of the biggest sponsors of the Suns, has issued a statement about Sarver.
“In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”
This is a major blow to the team and it suggests that a lot more damage could be done if Sarver sticks around.
Severed Sponsorships
PayPal has a major deal with the Suns – you see their logo on the team’s jerseys all year.
Their decision to pull out of their deal would be financially damaging to the team.
But when it comes to boycotts like this, things typically get worse as other businesses join in.
Now that PayPal has pulled out, you can expect other companies to do the same.
The level of pressure on Sarver will only increase until he is forced to financially hurt the team or give up his ownership.
It seems increasingly likely that Sarver will soon be departing from the Suns.
At the end of the day, he is a businessman and his actions are now hurting the bottom line of the Suns organization.
NEXT: NBA Writer Shares A Sad Fact Regarding Sarver's Punishment