Mat Ishbia, former MSU walk-on and major donor, reportedly buying NBA franchise

Mat Ishbia — a one-time walk-on for Tom Izzo at Michigan State — is expected to finalize the purchase of an NBA franchise.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ishbia is finalizing a deal to purchase the Phoenix Suns from Robert Sarver. Ishbia has since become a billionaire mortgage lender and is a key donor for the Spartans.

Wojnarowski is reporting Ishbia’s offer for the Suns includes the WNBA Mercury franchise and is at a record price of $4 billion for an NBA team. Wojnarowski writes that Ishbia is well-known and respected within the NBA league office and with commissioner Adam Silver. Ishbia’s purchase will be pending a completed background check and vote of approval but those items are expected to be formalities.

Though not official, Magic Johnson has reacted to the news on social media. Johnson revealed he has chatted with Ishbia and congratulated him on the purchase of the organization.

I had a great call with fellow Spartan Mat Ishbia congratulating him on his purchase of the Phoenix Suns. He’s going to do great things not only for the Suns organization, but for the entire league. All of the other 29 NBA teams better watch out because Mat’s a winner!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 20, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.