Latest news with #Ishbia
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Suns Send Dillon Brooks Message After Massive Trade
Suns Send Dillon Brooks Message After Massive Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns have been one of the more active teams during this offseason period and for good reason. They finished the regular season with a 36-46 record and failed to qualify for a spot in the NBA Playoffs or the NBA Play-In Tournament. As a result, owner Mat Ishbia began making changes immediately, by firing Mike Budenholzer after just one year of a five-year, $50 million contract. Advertisement Ishbia then made a major change in the front office when he demoted James Jones from his role as the president of basketball operations and general manager to just a senior advisory position. Ishbia later installed Brian Gregory as the new general manager. Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Suns send Dillon Brooks message after massive trade With the front office taken care of, Ishbia and Gregory went to work seeking a trade partner to acquire Kevin Durant ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft and found one in the Houston Rockets. In the deal, they landed a talented young scorer in Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 selection in the draft, and five second-round picks in what turned out to be a record-breaking seven-team trade. Advertisement On Wednesday, the Suns sent a message regarding Brooks after his first day in Phoenix. While the Suns now have an influx of guards, they are almost certainly better defensively, especially after drafting Duke Center Khaman Maluach and trading for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. Brooks scored 14 points per game for the Rockets this season as they finished as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference during the regular season and shot a career-high 39.7% from 3-point land. There will likely be additional moves made during this busy offseason, particularly as the Suns are looking to buy out Bradley Beal. That would help free up minutes at the guard or small forward position where Brooks would likely take many of his minutes. Advertisement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Extreme weather shows Chicago White Sox need a retractable roof on their next ballpark
From last winter's polar vortex to this week's heat wave, Chicagoans have experienced several degrees of uncomfortableness in a few short months. We weather the extreme weather well enough, thanks to a lot of practice, and tend to think of ourselves as a hardy bunch that shrugs off the bitter cold or sweltering heat because we're Chicagoans. It's a small price to pay for living in the world's greatest city, so we persevere and wear our rugged exteriors on our sleeves like a badge of honor. But this latest experience under the Heat Dome had me wondering whether it's time to accept that, down deep, we're really weather wimps. We don't want to leave the house when the wind chill is below zero or the heat index is over 90. We love our central heating and air conditioning, despite our gritty reputation. There's nothing wrong with admitting you prefer comfort over extreme cold or heat, even as we've been typecast as a city that loves our 'Bears Weather,' a holdover from a few cold-weather wins during the Super Bowl season 40 years ago. This year has seen a cold spring turn into a hot summer almost overnight. Wrigley Field was a sweat box over the weekend, with an umpire and a Seattle Mariners pitcher leaving Saturday's game because of the heat. It was less worrisome Monday at Rate Field, where the White Sox took on the Arizona Diamondbacks with the sun down, but I still felt for Sox players taking infield practice, remembering former first baseman John Kruk's clubhouse rant in 1995 when manager Terry Bevington ordered pregame infield practice during a similar heat wave. The only way for fans to escape Monday was to hit the showers, and a long line of kids waited to jump into the left-field shower during the game, gleefully soaking themselves while the Sox got pummeled 10-0. Climate change has brought more tropical weather than ever to Midwestern cities, and despite what the stable genius and his administration want to believe, it's not going to reverse course anytime soon. That's why it's imperative for future White Sox owner Justin Ishbia to rip up the current renderings of the proposed ballpark in the South Loop and commission an architect to draw up a new one with a retractable roof. When Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf outlined his long-term succession plan last month, he in effect handed the stadium issue to Ishbia, who figures to own the controlling stake in the team by 2030 or so — just in time for a new ballpark to open, assuming he's open to paying for most or all of it with his $4.3 billion. Reinsdorf's search for public funding for a new park is toast, so if Ishbia doesn't do it, the Sox will either have to readjust their lease at Rate Field or move. Sox fans deserve better, but they seldom get what they want. The Sox last year gave us a look at how a new ballpark would look at The 78, and the renderings received rave reviews. Everything looked cool. But the idea of making the public build the Sox yet another ballpark — after they messed up with an antiseptic stadium with a steep upper deck that is now closed off during most weekday games — was a deal breaker. If the Sox are realistic, they would admit most of their fans go to games only when the team is winning, and even then they usually wait until the weather is tolerable. A retractable roof, like the ones built by the Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, would fix one of those problems. A new owner in Ishbia might fix both. Would Sox fans accept a retractable dome? A former player told me once they got used to it, they'd love it. 'Every new ballpark constructed should have a (retractable) roof,' he said. 'Not just because it's too hot but for concerts and events in the winter to make it pay off.' Before Monday's game, I asked rookie pitcher Grant Taylor, who played in the jungle-like humidity at LSU, what he thought of the Sox moving into a retractable-dome ballpark down the line. Taylor had just experienced two such parks in Houston and Toronto. 'I thought that was cool in Toronto,' he said of the Rogers Centre. 'I liked it better with the roof open, but yeah. When we were in Houston it was raining one of those days, and it was so nice to put the dome over (the field) and still play baseball. 'That's huge. You look at the St. Louis series (in Chicago) when we had to cancel a game and then have to use all of our relief arms in a doubleheader the next day. I think it would be pretty sweet. I prefer a stadium that's open on a good day, but if it's raining or 100 degrees outside, it's nice to have a dome.' The Cubs will have to live with future heat issues at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark behind Fenway Park. The Rickettses have invested heavily in renovations, but a roof is not part of their long-term vision. But it's not too late for the Sox to understand this concept of climate change and its effect on games. The Rangers owners came to the conclusion that a roof was necessary in their oppressive heat and left a perfectly suitable ballpark that opened in 1994 — three years after the Sox moved into new Comiskey Park — to enjoy the air-conditioned comforts of Globe Life Field. As we sweat away the summer, imagine walking out of 98-degree heat and into a 72-degree, climate-controlled ballpark to watch the Sox play. It's not as crazy as you'd think. Now they just have to figure out the winning part.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Justin Ishbia Strikes Deal for Chicago White Sox Control
Justin Ishbia has reached an agreement that may give him control of the Chicago White Sox as soon as 2029, team owner Jerry Reinsdorf confirmed to Sportico. The agreement allows Reinsdorf, 89, to control the team for at least four more years. After 2034, Ishbia would have the right to buy the control stake. Ishbia and his brother Mat initially bought a mid-single-digit percentage of the team in 2021, and they have added to the total since then. Advertisement More from 'This is an investment in the future of the Chicago White Sox, and I am excited for the opportunity to deepen my commitment to the city and the team,' Justin said in a statement to Sportico. Reinsdorf, in a phone call, declined to provide any other details. The White Sox issued a statement after Sportico broke the news, which said that all limited partners would have the opportunity to sell to Ishbia in any further transaction. It also said that Justin's brother, Mat, and father, Jeff, will also be 'significant' investors. 'In no event will such a transaction take place before 2029,' according to the statement. Ishbia will make capital infusions into the White Sox as a limited partner in 2025 and 2026 that will be used to pay down debt and support ongoing team operations. Advertisement The bulk of the Ishbias' money comes from Michigan-based United Wholesale Mortgage, now UWM Holdings, which was founded by Jeff. Mat, who now runs the company and is worth about $7.3 billion, owns a 71% stake in UWM; Justin, worth about $4.3 billion, owns 22%, according to Forbes. Justin is also the founder and managing partner of Shore Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in downtown Chicago with $12.5 billion under management. The brothers have built a sizable pro sports portfolio in the last few years. They bought the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury in 2023 at a $4 billion valuation; Mat is the primary governor of the NBA and WNBA franchise, with Justin serving as alternate governor. Additionally, they bought a stake in MLS club Nashville SC; Justin is also the alternate governor of the MLS team. Last year, the White Sox set a new mark for the most losses in a season in MLB's modern era with a record of 41-121. The current season is not much better, with the team at 19-43 through almost 40% of the season. Reinsdorf is the second-longest tenured owner in baseball after the Steinbrenner family who owns the New York Yankees. In 1981, he led a group that paid $20 million for the White Sox. In March, Sportico valued the team at $2.03 billion. Advertisement BDT & MSD Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to the White Sox and Reinsdorf family. Katten Munchin Rosenman LLP was the team's legal advisor. Covington & Burling was Ishbia's legal advisor. (This story has been updated throughout with additional details.) Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns Hire Jordan Ott As New Head Coach
Phoenix Suns Hire Jordan Ott As New Head Coach originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Phoenix Suns have officially hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach, making him the fourth person to hold the position in as many seasons. As first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, Ott beat out more than 15 candidates for the job, including fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, and assistants Chris Quinn (Heat), Sean Sweeney (Mavericks), and Dave Bliss (Thunder). Advertisement Ott, 40, brings over a decade of NBA coaching experience and a reputation for strong player development and adaptability. His journey began in 2013 as a video coordinator with the Atlanta Hawks before moving on to assistant coaching roles with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and most recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Under head coach Kenny Atkinson this past season, Ott helped lead the Cavaliers to a 64-18 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference. His growing responsibilities on that bench, along with his relationships with players and coaching staff, elevated his profile throughout the league. Ott's hiring comes during a critical transitional period for the Suns. After finishing the 2024-25 season with a disappointing 34-46 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, team owner Mat Ishbia vowed to retool the organization from the top down. That included parting ways with former head coach Mike Budenholzer and promoting Brian Gregory to general manager. Now, with Ott at the helm, the Suns are signaling a fresh start, but questions linger about the state of the roster. Advertisement Ott inherits one of the NBA's most unstable coaching environments. Since 2022, the Suns have cycled through Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Budenholzer, with each departure tied to Ishbia's aggressive pursuit of results. Despite boasting the most expensive roster in the league, headlined by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix flamed out spectacularly this year. Injuries, chemistry issues, and roster imbalance derailed their campaign, leading to internal frustration and public criticism from Ishbia himself, who admitted being 'embarrassed' by the outcome. The timing of Ott's arrival also coincides with major personnel uncertainty. Kevin Durant has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors, and with new front-office leadership in place, a teardown or retooling of the core may be imminent. Advertisement Reports suggest the Suns have engaged multiple teams in trade talks involving Durant and may even explore moving Bradley Beal. Superstar guard Devin Booker, considered the franchise cornerstone, was reportedly consulted during the coaching search, further highlighting his importance in Phoenix's long-term plans. Ott's hiring also fits a pattern under Ishbia, who has shown a tendency to favor coaches with Michigan State ties and a player development focus. While Ott doesn't carry head coaching experience, he is widely respected across the league and has connections to several Suns players, including Durant, whom he coached in Brooklyn. While Ott will be tasked with developing young talent and potentially leading a rebuild, he also faces immense pressure in an organization that has cycled through high-profile coaches at a rapid pace. Whether this move brings stability or marks yet another chapter in Phoenix's chaotic era remains to be seen. Either way, the Jordan Ott era in the Valley has officially begun. Advertisement Related: The Phoenix Suns Might Be Forced To Run It Back With Failed Big Three Of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, And Devin Booker This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Bar-B-Cast' on why there's reason to feel bad for White Sox fans after succession plan reveal
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) Chicago White Sox fans can expect a significant but somewhat gradual change in the team's ownership, based on the podcast's discussion. From Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo Sports' "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" podcast, here's a summary of what fans should know and what to expect: Jerry Reinsdorf's exit plan is finally official — but not immediate Jerry Reinsdorf, who has owned the White Sox for 45 years, has established a clear succession plan for selling the team. The path is mapped out but doesn't take effect right away. The earliest possible transition to new ownership is 2029, and it could stretch as late as 2034. Advertisement Justin Ishbia, the brother of Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia, is set to become the White Sox's principal owner, according to legal arrangements revealed this week. He already holds a minority stake and will have the option to buy the majority stake from Reinsdorf starting in 2029, or absolutely by 2034. Sorry, White Sox fans, as for now, not much changes The current public messaging is that nothing significant changes for day-to-day fans or for the on-field product until at least 2029. In the short-term, Ishbia will infuse some cash and begin slowly getting involved, but the team's operational control still rests with Reinsdorf. Advertisement Reinsdorf is 89 years old, so it makes sense for him to set up this transition. He's finally making concrete plans for when he's no longer in charge. "He clearly sold this to Ishbia because he likes Ishbia or thinks Ishbia will do a good job or whatever," Mintz said. "That was the pick. He's making the pick, not someone else. That's important to Jerry Reinsdorf. He is lucky here that he has made this choice before he dies. A lot of people, most people die before 89, and I feel bad that some White Sox fans, in fact will die before this ownership group changes hands because the quickest it could change is 2029." Said Shusterman, "If he's doing great and the White Sox are winning, guess what? Jerry's going to keep on owning the team. Now if the White Sox are still losing in 2029? Very possible, considering how deep of a hole they are in, then, I mean, I don't know, maybe he then finally decides, 'All right, your turn, Justin.'" Advertisement While there's no reason to expect rapid on-field changes or increased spending immediately, there is a sense of long-term optimism. The new owner comes from substantial means and chose the White Sox over other available MLB franchises, indicating belief in the franchise's potential. For more of the latest baseball news and debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
