Phoenix Suns, Mercury extend $60M free TV deal across Arizona

The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have extended their media rights partnership with Gray Media for two more years, ensuring that their games will remain free and accessible over-the-air in Arizona through the 2027-28 season. This deal, valued at over $30 million per year, restores the revenue the teams left on the table after ending their partnership with the bankrupt Diamond Sports in 2023, a move that also led to a significant increase in viewership—Suns' ratings have doubled and Mercury's ratings have increased by 425%. The teams have emphasized that the primary motivation behind this strategy is fan accessibility and community engagement, with Suns owner Mat Ishbia highlighting the importance of growing the fanbase by making games widely available. The partnership also includes streaming options via Suns+ and Merc+, expanding reach to nearly 3 million households and fostering a new era of live sports broadcasting on free television. This approach has set a precedent for other NBA teams facing regional sports network challenges, as the Suns and Mercury's success demonstrates the benefits of prioritizing fan access and adapting to changing media consumption habits. Overall, the extension reflects a commitment to inclusivity, cultural significance, and the promotion of basketball throughout Arizona.