The Phoenix Suns have extended their local media rights partnership with Gray Media through 2028, keeping Arizona’s Family as the local TV broadcast provider. The deal will continue to air games for free over local airwaves.
This fan-friendly arrangement includes not just Suns games, but also the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and G League’s Valley Suns broadcasts.
The extension is worth more than $30 million per season.
“This has always been about the fans,” said Suns owner Mat Ishbia. “We were the first to make games available free over-the-air, bringing Suns and Mercury games to more fans in Arizona than ever before.”
Ishbia emphasized the importance of accessibility in growing basketball’s popularity across the state.
“We’re excited to keep our games free and accessible – growing our fanbase and the game of basketball by ensuring everyone in Arizona has access to watch the Suns and Mercury.”
The results speak for themselves. Since switching to this broadcast model, Suns viewership has doubled to an average of 125,000 viewers per game, up from just 63,000 before.
Mercury games have seen an even more dramatic jump, with viewership skyrocketing by 425%.
“We know the power of broadcast television and were confident the partnership would move the needle,” said Pat LaPlatney, Co-CEO and President of Gray Media.
The impact goes beyond just numbers on a spreadsheet.
“It has created a space for a new generation of Phoenix Suns and Mercury fans to easily connect and cheer on their teams,” LaPlatney added. “We see it in the viewership data.”
This pioneering approach has changed the landscape for sports broadcasting.
“It ushered in a new era of live sports on broadcast television opening the door for more deals of its kind to be done,” said LaPlatney. “We are excited to be on this journey with the Suns and Mercury as we continue to put the fan first.”
The partnership first launched in 2023, making history as the first local broadcast partnership in both the NBA and WNBA to offer games over-the-air for free. To reach more viewers, Arizona’s Family launched KPHE, expanding coverage to the Tucson and Yuma markets.
Last season, they broadcast 70 games on local television.
For fans who prefer streaming, all games will still be available on Suns+ and Merc+, the team’s direct-to-consumer streaming platforms powered by Kiswe.
The Suns will tip off the 2025-26 season on October 22 against the Sacramento Kings at PHX Arena, with the game airing on AZ Family. The complete local broadcast schedule should be released as early as next week.
