Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein finalizing contract extension

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia said Monday that CEO Josh Bartelstein is finalizing a new contract extension. The extension keeps Bartelstein in charge of both business and basketball operations for the two franchises.

Background on the hire Ishbia hired Bartelstein in 2023 as his first move after buying the teams. Bartelstein had previously risen to executive vice president of business and basketball operations with the Detroit Pistons.

Ishbia's comments "From day one, I knew Josh was the right person to help build the culture and organization that I envisioned in Phoenix -- on and off the court," Ishbia told ESPN. "He is my trusted partner in every aspect of our basketball operations [Suns and Mercury] and business side as well," Ishbia added.

"His knowledge of basketball, care for our players and the strong relationships he has across the NBA and WNBA have been invaluable in building our success and will continue to shape our future," Ishbia said. "He is one of the best CEOs in all of sports, and happens to be one of the youngest, too, and I'm excited to keep working next to Josh as we continue to build on our success," Ishbia stated.

Context for the extension Bartelstein turns 37 next week.

The Suns reached the playoffs last season after a coaching and roster overhaul. Ishbia brought Bartelstein in to address organizational culture issues that existed before the 2023 ownership change. Bartelstein is the son of Mark Bartelstein, CEO of Priority Sports and Entertainment.