Phoenix Suns' Mat Ishbia, Minority Owners Agree to Mediation in Financial Dispute

Lawsuit over franchise's finances to be resolved through confidential binding process

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:26pm

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Two minority owners of the Phoenix Suns and the team's controlling owner Mat Ishbia have agreed to participate in a confidential binding mediation process to resolve a lawsuit over the franchise's finances. The filing on Monday in a Delaware Chancery Court says the action will be dismissed with prejudice when the mediation is completed, meaning the same claims can't be filed again.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the challenges that can arise when new ownership takes over a professional sports franchise, particularly when there are minority owners involved. The mediation process will aim to resolve the financial disagreements and avoid a potentially messy and public legal battle.

The details

Andrew Kohlberg and Scott Seldin, the minority owners, originally sued Ishbia in August, alleging mismanagement and lack of transparency. Ishbia countersued in October. A new filing by the minority owners in November claimed that Ishbia was using the franchise as his 'personal piggy bank' and that the franchise had gone from profitable to losing money.

  • The lawsuit was filed in August 2025.
  • Ishbia countersued in October 2025.
  • A new filing by the minority owners was made in November 2025.

The players

Mat Ishbia

The controlling owner of the Phoenix Suns who bought a majority stake in the franchise in a $4 billion deal in 2023.

Andrew Kohlberg

One of the minority owners of the Phoenix Suns who filed the original lawsuit against Ishbia.

Scott Seldin

One of the minority owners of the Phoenix Suns who filed the original lawsuit against Ishbia.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.