A billionaire who is not shy when it comes to matching the 0s on a check to bring a major NBA player to Phoenix, Mat Ishbia is no less concerned about the social impact that the Suns on the local people. The team owner has once again proven it, with a small gesture that may seem trivial, but which means a lot.
At the start of the season, Mat Ishbia had already allowed local fans of the franchise to access the team’s matches for free via the distribution of antennas capturing the matches. An operation with a fairly obvious social impact, that of offering sport for all on television, but in the United States, business is never far away. Above all, we are talking about a clever idea to get people talking about the Suns as much as possible, to generate more and more interest around a franchise that has been spending lavishly since the arrival of the billionaire at the helm in 2022.
Creating interest means creating commitment, and therefore purchases of tickets for home matches, sales of derivative products, jerseys… a virtuous whole with – certainly – profit as the final objective, but which is however win-win for each party. This Wednesday, the franchise announced that it was setting up another small operation to allow fans to live a little more of the Suns experience without putting a hole in their wallet.
Winning starts with our fans. When I walk the concourse at games there aren’t food options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money. That needs to change, so today we’re rolling out our $2 value menu for all home @Suns games. pic.twitter.com/BsluNoKD5P
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) December 18, 2024
The idea is simple: offer inexpensive catering prices for families coming to Suns games and wishing to eat on site. 77% reduction on all consumables in the room, which will undoubtedly encourage as many people as possible to enjoy a meal in front of the meeting. The measure will be applied during all Phoenix home games. Moreover, here are the explanations from Mat Ishbia himself, offered on his Twitter account.
“Winning starts with our fans. When I walk the aisles at home, I don’t see any dining options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money. This needs to change, so we’re launching our $2 menus at all Suns home games.
A family of 4 usually spends $98 on popcorn, water and hotdogs. Now, this family in question will be able to enjoy the same thing for $24. Our fans and community are the foundation of what we do and we will continue to invest in making this the best organization in basketball, on and off the court.” – Mat Ishbia
In a league that swears by hundreds of millions of dollars when it comes to salaries, billions when it comes to television rights, it’s a sort of breath of fresh air that helps maintain the connection between fans and teams. Two worlds diametrically opposed in terms of means, but which would not exist without one another.
At a time when certain franchises have become overpriced in terms of experience – especially in big markets – and others take back a PS5 from a child after having given it to them (class, etc.), allow everyone to benefit at best a meeting without breaking the bank is a strong social message. In short: be Suns fans, the franchise takes care of the rest.
Source : @Mishbia15
