NBA / WNBA : Phoenix sticks with Josh Bartelstein
Arriving in Phoenix in 2023, Josh Bartelstein looks set to stay in Arizona for quite a while yet. The CEO of the Mercury and Suns is now finalising a contract extension with owner Mat Ishbia. At just 36, he still holds the keys to a major part of the shared project across both franchises.
Bartelstein was the first hire Ishbia made after taking charge of the Suns and Mercury. Three years on, that partnership is set to roll on. Phoenix’s owner sees his CEO as one of his key lieutenants, both on basketball matters and on the business side of the two teams.
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A trusted man for Mat Ishbia
Since arriving, Josh Bartelstein has played a central role in Phoenix’s internal reshuffle. His job isn’t confined to the front office either: he also works on roster issues and keeps close ties with players and other figures across the NBA and WNBA.
Ishbia has not exactly hidden the value he places on his young executive. The owner believes Bartelstein’s work has helped push the whole organisation forward and plans to keep leaning on him.
Before heading to Arizona, Bartelstein climbed the ladder with the Detroit Pistons. A former college player at Michigan, he went on to become executive vice president in charge of business and basketball operations for the Michigan franchise.
The Mercury are part of the picture too
If the Suns tend to grab more of the headlines, this extension is just as important for the Phoenix Mercury project. Bartelstein oversees both franchises and helps shape their long-term strategy.
His age still stands out at this level of responsibility. Bartelstein turns 37 in a few days, but he already has plenty of experience in NBA front offices. He is also the son of Mark Bartelstein, one of the best-known agents in American basketball.
By extending one of the first men he brought in at the start of his Phoenix era, Mat Ishbia is making his stance clear: he wants stability at the top of the organisation. Josh Bartelstein should therefore remain a major voice in the next round of decisions for both the Suns and the Mercury.
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